Wittrockia is a genus of plants in the family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Bromelioideae.
| Wittrockia | |
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Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Subfamily: | Bromelioideae |
| Genus: | Wittrockia Lindm. |
| Species | |
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The genus name is for Veit Brecher Wittrock, a Swedish botanist (1839-1914).[1]
These plants are native to Central America and South America. Many species are endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome (Mata Atlantica Brasileira), located in southeastern Brazil.[2]
Description
editWittrockia is large among bromeliad genera, producing long, glossy leaves armed with sharp spines. Forming rosettes over 1 meter in diameter, the foliage may contain various colors of spots and banding, depending on species.
Their inflorescence blooms deep in the vase where the plant catches water.
Species
edit- Wittrockia cyathiformis (Vellozo) Leme
- Wittrockia flavipetala (Wand.) Leme & H.Luther
- Wittrockia gigantea (Baker) Leme
- Wittrockia paulistana Leme
- Wittrockia spiralipetala Leme
- Wittrockia superba Lindman
- Wittrockia tenuisepala (Leme) Leme
Cultivation
editWittrockia species are adaptable to varying climates and light exposure. Their attractive foliage has made them popular in cultivation as an ornamental plant.
References
edit- ^ Bromeliad Society International : [dead link] read on line
- ^ DPI.inpe.br: "BROMELIACEAE da MATA ATLÂNTICA BRASILEIRA: Lista de ESPÉCIES, DISTRIBUIÇÃO e CONSERVAÇÃO"[dead link]; Rodriguésia 59, February 2008; ppg 209−258; article−(in Portuguese), abstract−(in English) species lists−(in Latin). accessed 30 May 2016.
External links
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- Florida Council of Bromeliad Societies - Wittrockia Photos
- BSI Genera Gallery Wittrockia Photos