Aechmea gamospala, catalogue of Bromeliad plants

A catalogue of Bromeliads used for various projects by - © Lloyd Godman

A Lexicon of Bromeliads: A resource by Lloyd Godman

Genus - Aechmea: Sub- family - Bromelioideae: Family - Bromelioideae

Generally, Aechmeas form large urn shapes or tubular structures that hold reservoirs of water, however there are also some smaller plants. Many are epiphytes that can adapt to growing in the ground, but they need a free draining soil. The leaves are often heavily marked with silver trichomes and they produce colorful blooms which are short lived, but the inflorescence is long lasting. They are found across a huge range of habitats in central and south America. Many are hardy plants and many can withstand cooler temperatures and dryer conditions. Some have spectacular flowers which can last for months. If the flowers are pollinated the plant often forms colourful berries which contain an sticky jelly that is edible.

Aechmea gamospala

Geminating seeds of Aechmea Gamosepala

Small seedling of Aechmea Gamosepala

forming flowerhead of Aechmea Gamosepala

Flowerhead of Aechmea Gamosepala

Flower of Aechmea Gamosepala

Detail of single flower Aechmea Gamosepala

Aechmea Gamosepala firmly attached to a tree - the plant has grown from a single pup to this size in about 5 years

The flower spike of this Aechmea Gamosepala has been attacked by slugs - despite the very slim connection between the flower spike and the plant the flowers have continued to develop - note how the flowers have only formed on the side where the connection has been retained - where the area where the stalk has been eaten the flowers have failed to develop.

.A very hardy plant that is easy to grow as an epiphyte. It quickly forms a clump and can flower twice a year.

It produces a long flower spike with attractive flowers that attract honey eater birds - the flowers turn into dark purple berries. Between flowers and berries that plant has colour for 9 monnths of the year.