Aechmea is a genus of flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae (subfamily Bromelioideae). The name comes from the Greek aichme, meaning "spear". Suggested pronunciations include EEK-me-ə[1] and eek-MEE.[2] Aechmea comprises eight subgenera[citation needed] and around 250 species distributed from Mexico through South America and the Caribbean.[3] Most of the species in this genus are epiphytes.[citation needed]

Aechmea
Aechmea fasciata inflorescence
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Subfamily: Bromelioideae
Genus: Aechmea
Ruiz & Pav.
Species

Over 250, see text.

Synonyms
Aechmea mertensii

Subgenera

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Subgenera include:[4]

Species

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As of November 2022, Plants of the World Online listed the following species:[3]

Transferred

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Cultivars

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Cultivars include:[citation needed]

  • Aechmea 'Blue Tango'
  • Aechmea 'Burgundy'
  • Aechmea 'Fire'
  • Aechmea 'Gympie Gold'
  • Aechmea 'Jeanie'
  • Aechmea 'Malva'

References

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  1. ^ Johnson, A.T. & Smith, H.A. (1972). Plant Names Simplified : Their Pronunciation Derivation & Meaning. Buckenhill, Herefordshire: Landsmans Bookshop. ISBN 978-0-900513-04-6.
  2. ^ Coombes, Allen J. (1994). Dictionary of Plant Names. London: Hamlyn Books. ISBN 978-0-600-58187-1.
  3. ^ a b "Aechmea Ruiz & Pav". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 12 November 2022.
  4. ^ Gouda, Eric J.; Butcher, Derek; Gouda, Kees (2022). "Aechmea". Encyclopaedia of Bromeliads. Utrecht University Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 20 October 2022.