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Bromelia humilis Jacq.
| Family Name: | Bromeliaceae |
| Synonyms: | Bromelia lasiantha Willd. ex Mez, Nidularium humile (Jacq.) Regel |
Bromelia humilis is a low-growing bromeliad that spreads through stolons. It grows in a rosette form with recurring, spine-lined leaves. The innermost leaves turn red when the plant is in flower.
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Netherlands Antilles, Trinidad-Tobago, Venezuela, Venezuelan Antilles |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Desert / Arid |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | It is a herbaceous plant with a rosette growth form that grows no more than 0.2-0.4 m in height. It spreads by sending offshoots from stolons. |
|---|---|
| Roots | Roots are fibrous, with adventitious roots sprouting as the stolons make contact with the soil. |
| Foliage | The stiff, linear leaves are arranged in a rosette. Leaves at the outer rosette curve downwards, while the ones at the inner rosette are more erect. Leaves are spiny-edged with 3-4 mm long hooked spines, curving in both directions towards the leaf apex and the leaf base. When in bloom, the centre of the rosette turns bright red. |
| Flowers | Flowers are borne in the centre of the rosette in a tight cluster. A single flower is made up of three purple and white petals. |
| Fruit | Fruits are yellow or orange when ripe. |
| Reproductive Parts - non-flowering plant | Offshoots extend at the base of each mother plant. |
| Habitat | Sandy coasts, scrubs, and deciduous forests |
| Similar | Bromelia humilis can be differentiated from B. pinguin by its small size and compact inflorescence. |
| Cultivation | This plant can grow on rocks but does well in well-drained soils. The centre of the rosette collects rainwater. The intercepted water supplies the plant with nutrients. |
| Etymology | The genus Bromelia is named in honour of Olof Bromelius (1639-1705), a Swedish medical doctor and botanist. The specific epithet humilis refers to its low-growing habit. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Form |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Coastal, Groundcover |
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
| Usage Hazard - Cons | Spines/Thorns - Leaf |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Drought Tolerant, Well-Drained Soils, Poor Infertile Soils, Saline Soils / Salt Spray, Shallow Media |
| Potential Problems | Spiny leaves might make pruning of dried lower leaves difficult. |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stolon / Runner |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green, Red |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Rosulate / Rosette |
| Foliar Shape(s) | |
| Foliar Margin | Spiny |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Acute |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Monocot) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Runner / Stolon, Shortened Internodes |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Purple, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Terminal |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Orange, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Plant Sexuality (non-Angiosperm) | Monoecious |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32758 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7170 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
