About Wallisia cyanea Barfuss & W.Till
Wallisia cyanea, commonly known as pink quill, is a plant species in the genus Wallisia, part of the bromeliad family. It is native to the rainforests of Ecuador. This epiphytic perennial grows to 50 cm (20 in) high and 50 cm (20 in) wide, and forms stemless rosettes of thin, recurved leaves. In spring and autumn, it produces paddle-shaped spikes that hold 20 pink bracts and violet flowers. The Latin specific epithet cyanea translates to 'blue', and refers to the intense purple-violet color of the plant's flowers. Because it requires a minimum temperature of 7 °C (45 °F), it is often cultivated as a low-maintenance houseplant in temperate regions, where it is frequently sold either alone or alongside orchids. It has received the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. Wallisia cyanea was previously classified in the genus Tillandsia, but was reassigned to the genus Wallisia after DNA analysis. Known cultivars of W. cyanea include Wallisia 'Anita' and Wallisia 'Sandy'.
