Cardinal Wild Pine

Tillandsia fasciculata Sw

(ti-LAND-si-a fa-sik-u-LA-ta)

General:

This protected plant is a member of the Bromeliad (Pineapple) family. It is an epiphyte (air plant) that enjoys living on the rough bark of trees, especially Cypress. The species name, fasciculata, mean “bundle or compact cluster” which refers to the cluster of showy flowers on a stalk.

There are two varieties found in Florida, var. densispica with smooth, leathery floral bracts, and floridana with scaly, papery floral bracts.
It is in danger because of an introduced weevil that is destroying many of our wild bromeliads.

Flower/Fruit:

The flower stalk is covered with bracts which may be yellow, white or red. The purple flowers have three petals and three stamens. The erect flower stems are about the same size as the leaves, but the flower stands above. The fruits are capsules that have partitions that split open to release the seeds which are carried by the wind