Aechmea guarapariensis (was roberto-seidelii in Australia) Click thumbnails for full size, scaled to a new window.
Aechmea guarapariensis
Formerly Aechmea triticina then guarapariensis then roberto-seidelii, now probably two seperate species.
See Detective Derek article, 05/08. Update 02/14 - now back to guarapariensis. See 05/08. Update 02/18 - Ed. it seems that A. roberto-seidelii and A. guarapariensis ARE being retained as different species. With the jury still out on A. triticina, which could be seen as a description that covers both - depending on ones interpretation.
1.) From Eric Gouda ... "It is unclear how to look at the description in Smith & Downs of Aechmea triticina, but I will keep A. roberto-seidelii as well as A. guarapariensis as separated species. Both are from total different biome and much different in size, one epiphyte and one terrestrial and the large apical coma in the inflorescence of one of the species are good enough for me."
2.) Feb. 2018 - Kerry Tate, has grown "both species" side by side and studied them closely. They do both agree with the details from (E Pereira, Bradea 1: 159. 1972) and (Pereira & Leme Brasil Florestal – No. 59: 40. Jul/Sept 1984) {see 05/08}.
The finer details of size, growth habit, and colour in those descriptions is manifested in Kerry's side-by-side description - "The growth habit is quite different between the epiphyte and the terrestrial. The stolons are longer, heavier and lateral on guarapariensis - hence its tendency to sprawl along the ground, and eventually form massive clumps (as in my own backyard). I too grow roberto-seidelii under differing conditions, as well as Ae. guarapariensis. The latter is twice the height and weight of roberto-seidelii, and has much stiffer leaves, which remain greenish with slight silver barring. roberto-seidelii forms dense clumps, with a very short stolon. It's leaves will go much redder from stress - due to strong light, and lack of nutrients. Re the morphological differences, yes they are minor - but the lengths of certain 'parts', e.g., whole cone-shaped spike and sepal spines, differ between the two species."
They MAY both fall under the umbrella of Ae. triticina, but side-by-side they are two distinct species as described.
