What are Bromeliads?
Bromeliads are a group of plants, comprising of over 2,700 species, in approximately 56 genera and hundreds of hybrids. Originating in the Americas, with a range extending from the deserts of Mexico to the rainforests of South America. Plants vary in size from small Tillandsias, that are no bigger than the tip of your finger to the large Puya and Vrieseas, growing to more than 2 metres across. There is a bromeliad for every location in your garden and your home. One of the best known of the bromeliad family is the Pineapple (Ananas). It was Christopher Columbus who introduced the pineapple to Europe after his second voyage to the New World in 1493. This plant was called Anana or excellent fruit by the natives of the Carribean. The first pineapple grown in England was presented to King Charles, the event being recorded in a portrait which now hangs in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
