Bromeliad – Guzmania

General Landscape Uses: Understory ground cover, container Ecological Restoration Notes: Not typically used for restoration outside of their native tropical American cloud forests. Description: An evergreen, epiphytic perennial forming a seamless, funnel-shaped rosette of arching, toothless (smooth) strap-like leaves Dimensions: Height 1 – 2 ft.; Spread 1 – 2 ft. Growth Rate: Moderate Native Range: Central and South America, Florida, and the West Indies. Native Habitats: Humid rainforests and cloud forests, usually growing on trees (epiphytic) or in rich leaf litter. Soils: Well-drained Nutritional Requirements: Low to moderate Salt Water Tolerance: Low Salt Wind Tolerance: Low Drought Tolerance: Moderate Light Requirements: Part Sun Flower Color: Red, orange, yellow, purple bracts Flower Characteristics: A striking, star-shaped or cylindrical spike (inflorescence) that rises from the center. The color comes from the bracts, which stay vibrant for months. Flowering Season: All year Fruit: Small, inconspicuous capsules containing tufted seeds Wildlife and Ecology: The central water tank provides a critical breeding ground for tropical tree frogs and a water source for various insects and small birds. Horticultural Notes: Grown from offshoots Comments: