Tillandsia paucifolia Baker

Scientific Classification

Tillandsia paucifolia, commonly called the potbelly airplant, is a bromeliad species belonging to the genus Tillandsia.

Native Range

It is native to Central America, central and southern Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia, the West Indies, and Florida.

Growth Arrangement

This species can grow either individually or in clusters, and typically produces between five and ten leaves per plant.

Leaf Characteristics

Its leaves are short with tapered ends, and range in color from light green to silver-gray.

Bulbous Base

A defining feature that sets T. paucifolia apart from other Tillandsia species is its large bulbous base.

Trichome Function

The leaves are covered in trichomes, hair-like structures that increase leaf surface area to maximize nutrient and water absorption directly from the air.

Trichome Density

The trichomes of this species are particularly large and abundant.

Flower Color

As an angiosperm, T. paucifolia produces flowers that range in color from pale pink to lavender-blue.

Pollination Type

This species is an epiphyte pollinated by animals.

Pollinator Species

Diurnal (daytime) pollinators include bees, beetles, and hummingbirds, while moths and bats have been reported to pollinate this species at night.

Pollination Reward

To reward the animals that facilitate pollination, these angiosperms sometimes produce nectar.

Pollination Benefits

More frequent visits from animal pollinators increase the chance that T. paucifolia receives pollen with greater genetic variation, which results in higher quality seeds.