Vriesea is a genus of flowering plants in the botanical family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Tillandsioideae. The genus is named after the Dutch botanist and physician Willem Hendrik de Vriese (1806–1862).[2] Its species are widespread over Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indies.[1]

Vriesea
Vriesea duvaliana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Bromeliaceae
Subfamily: Tillandsioideae
Genus: Vriesea
Lindl.
Synonyms[1]

The genus includes many "tank bromeliads", which store water in a reservoir (a "tank") formed by their tightly overlapping leaf bases. Containing some of the largest bromeliad species, these tropical plants hold a wide variety of insect fauna. In the wild, some frog species go through their whole life cycle in these bromeliad tanks.[citation needed] This genus is closely related to Guzmania. Both Guzmania and Vriesea have dry capsules that split open to release parachute like seeds similar to dandelions (Taraxacum sp.)[citation needed][clarification needed]. Most Vriesea are epiphytes and grow on trees. Their roots function mainly as holdfasts with a more minor role in nutrient uptake. Nutrients are predominantly absorbed from the reservoirs made by the rosette of leaves.

Species

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As of October 2022, Plants of the World Online accepted the following species:

Former species

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Species that have been placed in Vriesea but are not accepted by Plants of the World Online include:

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References

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  1. 1 2 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. "Bromeliad Society International - Genera Etymology". Archived from the original on 2007-02-03. Retrieved 2007-02-22.
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  • Wikimedia Commons logo Media related to Vriesea at Wikimedia Commons
  • Wikimedia Commons logo Media related to Vriesea at Wikimedia Commons
  • BSI Genera Gallery Archived 2016-03-03 at the Wayback Machine Vriesea photos