Vriesea fidelensis
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Vriesea fidelensis | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Genus: | Vriesea |
| Species: | V. fidelensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Vriesea fidelensis Leme (1999) | |
Vriesea fidelensis is a species of epiphytic bromeliad in the genus Vriesea. It is endemic to the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, specifically found within the Atlantic Forest biome.[1]
The specific epithet fidelensis is a tribute to the municipality of São Fidélis, Rio de Janeiro, where the species was first discovered.
Taxonomy and discovery
The species was formally described in 1999 by the Brazilian botanist Elton Leme in the scientific journal Bradea. The holotype was collected by Leme himself on May 1, 1989, in the locality of **Bela Joana**, a mountainous region within São Fidélis.[2] The specimen flowered in cultivation in February 1999, allowing for its detailed description and classification.[3]
Description
Vriesea fidelensis is an epiphytic perennial that forms a dense rosette of 15 to 25 glossy, strap-like leaves, measuring 30–50 cm in length. These leaves form a central "tank" for water and nutrient storage. The inflorescence is an erect spike, 40–60 cm tall, featuring vibrant bracts ranging from red to orange. The flowers are tubular and yellow-green in color.[2] After flowering, the plant typically produces basal offsets (pups) for vegetative propagation.