Harris’ tillandsia  (Tillandsia harrisii)

Listed on Appendix II of CITES (1).

Distinguished by their fine, greyish-white, spiky leaves, tillandsias are attractive plants typically seen clinging to tree branches or cliff faces (3) (4). Tillandsia harrisii has a relatively long stem, with the leaves usually directed to one side, and curled in a dense rosette. The inflorescence is comprised of five to nine spirally arranged flowers, with orange to red floral bracts and blue-violet petals (2).

Tillandsia harrisii is restricted to the Zacapa Department in Guatemala (2). 

Known from cliffs along the Rio Teculutan, at an altitude of 500 metres above sea level (2). 

Unlike most other vascular plants, the roots of Tillandsia species do not function in water and nutrient transport, but merely help the plant to cling to trees or rocks. Instead, tillandsias have tiny scales on their leaves called trichomes that absorb water from the atmosphere (4) (5). 

Many Tillandsia species are believed to be threatened by over collection for the horticultural trade (6). 

International trade in Tillandsia harrisii is restricted by its listing on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) (1).

To find out more about tillandsias and other bromeliad species, visit:

• Bromeliad Society International:
  http://www.bsi.org/