Page 16 - Boardwalk Meander Issue 3_2023
P. 16
GARDENING
ESTATE EVENT
According to Google, Bromeliads represented in their natural If you are interested in more facts
have been in existence for 100 climates across the Americas. One try a search on Google to find
million years. Plants in the species (Pitcairnia feliciana) can be out more about the Bromeliad
Bromeliad family are widely found in Africa (see above). family. There is still a lot of other
information on these lovely plants.
A South African site you can use is:
https://www.bromeliadssa.co.za/
These plants are mostly perennials,
although a few have a more tree-
like habit. Many Bromeliads are
more or less succulent or have
other adaptations to resist drought.
Some species have very reduced
root systems and absorb water
directly from the air. Many of
them have their leaves in the form
of vase-shaped rosettes which
accumulate water.
There are many different
shapes (leaves), colours,
sizes and flowers. They are
mostly pollinated by insects,
hummingbirds or bats, and
sometimes they are wind
pollinated. Fruits are variable,
typically taking the form of a
capsule or a berry (see left).
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Boardwalk Meander Estate Issue 3 · 2023
