Tillandsia Maurice's Robusta
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Tillandsia Maurice's Robusta
A very thick form of T. usneoides collected by Maurice Kellett, Victoria, in 1972 in the Sierra Corona near Zacualpan, Guerrero, Mexico. Widely circulated in Australia.

Derek Butcher 02/14.
Maurice Kellett 30/01/14 ..."In reply to suggestion that we record the largest form of T. usneoides that I collected in Mexico in1972 as a CV name to be registered as T. Robusta.
My notes show that it was in the area of Sierra Corona near Zacualpan which Google shows as SW of Mexico City. It was a very interesting area where we found moist growing T. atroviridepetela and trees covered with what appeared to be flower clusters but on closer inspection were T. capitata (?? ) in full leaf colour and flowers.
A check of Derek's disc shows a large form referred to as var. robusta and this form grows in Mexico.
I would be happy if this name was attached to the large form that many people have and I was possibly the first person to introduce this into cultivation here."

Derek Butcher 30/01/14 ... "All we need now is a good photo of this form so we can register it.
In Mez's days var robusta was known to the botanists but was demoted by L. Smith. As such I think it is better personalised. See registration document below.
Tillandsia ‘Maurice’s Robusta’. A very thick form of T. usneoides collected by Maurice Kellett, Victoria, in 1972 in the Sierra Corona near Zacualpan, Guerrero, Mexico. Widely circulated in Australia. Reg Doc 1/2014


Updated 22/08/14