Bromelia

This genus gives the name to the large family Bromeliaceae (the Bromeliads). The 50 or so species of Bromelia are scattered widely through South America and parts of Central America and the West Indies. They are mostly ground-dwelling perennials resembling pineapple plants, with strong, hooked spines along the margins of their long, stiff leaves which generally turn a bronzy color in strong sun.

The leaves form large rosettes, which in some species can multiply by sending out long rhizomes to make extensive clumps. A stout flower spike arises from the center of the rosette surrounded by leaf-like bracts that may be brilliantly colored; the flowers are tubular and densely packed and give way to large fleshy yellow fruits, which in some species are used medicinally.