| A 
                                    catalogue of Bromeliads used for various projects by - © Lloyd Godman A 
                                Lexicon of Bromeliads: A 
                                  resource by Lloyd Godman  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 a
                                  recurvata (yellow flower) |  |  
                                  | 
 
 | There are a number of Aechmea recurvata varieties - they are all hardy plants   |                      |