About Guzmania monostachia (L.) Rusby ex Mez
Guzmania monostachia, with the full scientific name Guzmania monostachia (L.) Rusby ex Mez, is an epiphytic species belonging to the genus Guzmania. It is also commonly called the West Indian tufted airplant. This species is native to South America, specifically Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Venezuela, as well as Central America, the West Indies, and Florida. It has also been reported to be naturalized in Hawaii. Guzmania monostachia is particularly notable for being a facultative CAM photosynthesis species: it switches from C3 photosynthesis to CAM photosynthesis as a protective adaptation when exposed to high light or drought stress.
