Bulbous Airplant

Tillandsia bulbosa Hook.

til-LAND-see-uh  bul-BO-sa

Bromeliaceae subfamily Tillandsioideae

Explanation of name:  Generic name for botanist Elias Tillands, allegedly a reference to hydrophobia by both the man and the plants. Name refers to the swollen base of the plant.

Natural range:  Native to Mexico and Belize

Recognition:    Few leaves and stemless. Leaves appear greener than other Tillandsias because of fewer water collecting scales. Just before flowering the upper leaves become brilliant red with lavender flowers

Landscape uses:   Plants can be mounted on trees, mounted on bark or cork. Tillandsias pair with orchids in dish gardens.

Internet sources:  http://www.bsi.org/brom_info/taxonomy/ 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillandsia

http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=TIBU