Bromeliad Collection

The bromeliads in the Durban Botanic Gardens are one of the main collections of the Gardens. Durban having a hot humid climate is ideal for a number of these plants.

"Bromeliads" is simply a shortening of the scientific name Bromeliaceae, the Pineapple family.

It is not possible to say who first coined the word "Bromeliad" but it was probably some fairly recent botanist or horticulturist who was tired of having to use the phrase "species of Bromeliaceae". It was Linnaeus who established the genus Bromelia in 1754. The name was taken from the family name of Olof Bromelius, a Swedish botanist.

Bromeliads previously went by the Indian name of Karatas.

A peculiarity of the family is its limited distribution. All "Broms" are native to the Americas. Their occurrence is limited by climate conditions- temperature being a main factor.

Tillandsias have the widest distribution. Many species are inhabitants of the tropical rain forests. These cover vast expanses of the lower Amazon basin. The a large part of the forest floor is water- covered during March and April when the rivers reach flood stages. The Bromeliads have taken to the trees and most of the epiphytic species are found here.

Most of the Broms which grow in the rain forest are the soft-leaved unarmed with thorns or scales. Most have the magnificently coloured inflorescences. Their light requirements are comparatively low as they are situated below shading leaf-crowns and foliage masses.

Bromeliads growing in regions with limited rainfall and thorny bush growth, have stiff, well-armoured leaves e.g. Aechmeas ananas.

These plants are pronounced sun lovers, are drought- resistant and are for the most part terrestrials.