Wittrockia is a genus of plants in the family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Bromelioideae.

Wittrockia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Subfamily: Bromelioideae
Genus: Wittrockia
Lindm.
Species

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The genus name is for Veit Brecher Wittrock, a Swedish botanist (1839-1914).[1]

These plants are native to Central America and South America. Many species are endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome (Mata Atlantica Brasileira), located in southeastern Brazil.[2]

Description

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Wittrockia is large among bromeliad genera, producing long, glossy leaves armed with sharp spines. Forming rosettes over 1 meter in diameter, the foliage may contain various colors of spots and banding, depending on species.

Their inflorescence blooms deep in the vase where the plant catches water.

Species

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Cultivation

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Wittrockia species are adaptable to varying climates and light exposure. Their attractive foliage has made them popular in cultivation as an ornamental plant.

References

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  1. ^ Bromeliad Society International : [dead link] read on line
  2. ^ DPI.inpe.br: "BROMELIACEAE da MATA ATLÂNTICA BRASILEIRA: Lista de ESPÉCIES, DISTRIBUIÇÃO e CONSERVAÇÃO"[dead link]; Rodriguésia 59, February 2008; ppg 209−258; article−(in Portuguese), abstract−(in English) species lists−(in Latin). accessed 30 May 2016.
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