Bromeliad  (Aechmea blanchetiana)

Aechmea blanchetiana has yet to be assessed by the IUCN.

An attractive bromeliad with bright orange-red, strap-shaped leaves (2) (3), Aechmea blanchetiana is an endemic species of the ‘restinga’ habitats of the Atlantic forest in Brazil (4) (5). The leaves, which measure up to about 90 centimetres in length, have spiny margins and a spine at the tip, and grow in a tight rosette (2) (3).

The flowers of Aechmea blanchetiana are borne in clusters on a long flower stalk, or inflorescence, which grows from the centre of the leaf rosette. Although the flowers themselves are quite small, they are surrounded by conspicuous red and yellow bracts (2) (3), the shape of which is alluded to by the genus name, Aechmea, which means ‘spear point’ (3).

Aechmea blanchetiana is endemic to the states of Bahia and Espírito Santo, on the east coast of Brazil (1) (4) (5). It has only been recorded to the north of the Doce River, which flows through Espírito Santo (5).

Aechmea blanchetiana is found in the Atlantic forest, where it occurs in shrubby coastal sand dune habitat known as ‘restinga’ (4) (5) (6). It may also be found in coastal rainforest (6). Aechmea blanchetiana can grow on the ground or as an epiphyte, and in cultivation it is reported to require moist but well-drained soil in partial shade (2) (3).

Relatively little information is available on the biology of Aechmea blanchetiana, although cultivated specimens in North America are reported to flower in spring (2). The fruits are in the form of berries (7), and the seeds are small, smooth and elliptical, measuring around two millimetres in length (8). Many other bromeliads with bright, showy inflorescences are known to be pollinated by insects or birds (7).

In many bromeliad species, the cupped rosette of leaves catches rainwater (7), and in Aechmea blanchetiana this may produce pools of up to half a litre in volume (9). These pools are often inhabited by animals such as frogs (7) (9).

Its attractive foliage makes Aechmea blanchetiana popular as an ornamental plant (2) (3) (10), and it may therefore be under threat from collection from the wild. This species is also exploited for its thin fibres, which are used in weaving (10).

Although the conservation status of Aechmea blanchetiana has yet to be assessed by the IUCN (11), the Atlantic forest faces a number of threats, including deforestation and urbanisation. Only around eight percent of the original habitat remains, and what is left is highly fragmented (12). The destruction has been most severe along the coast (12), and it is likely that the habitat of Aechmea blanchetiana has been affected.

The Atlantic forest is designated a global ‘hotspot’ of biodiversity, and a range of conservation initiatives are underway to help preserve what remains of this unique ecosystem (12). The bromeliads are an important group in the Atlantic forest, with a large number of endemic species and many relationships with local animal species. Bromeliads in this region may benefit from measures such as preserving habitat ‘corridors’ which link remaining habitat fragments (4).

There are not known to be any specific conservation efforts currently targeted at Aechmea blanchetiana, but a number of studies have investigated artificial propagation of this species. This would offer a method of producing Aechmea blanchetiana plants commercially to supply the ornamental plant and fibre markets, as well as helping to maintain the species’ genetic variability and potentially providing individuals for reintroduction into the wild (6) (10).

Find out more about conservation in the Atlantic forest:

• Conservation International: Biodiversity Hotspots - Atlantic Forest: 
  http://www.biodiversityhotspots.org/xp/Hotspots/atlantic_forest/Pages/default.aspx
• WWF: Atlantic Forests: 
  http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/ecoregions/atlantic_forests.cfm
• SOS Mata Atlântica:
  http://www.sosmatatlantica.org.br/
• The Nature Conservancy:
  http://www.nature.org/wherewework/southamerica/brazil/work/art5080.html
• World Land Trust:
  http://www.worldlandtrust.org/projects/brazil.htm