Aechmea zebrina

Aechmea zebrina is a plant species in the genus Aechmea. This species is native to Ecuador and Colombia;^[1][2] it is relatively common in the lowland Amazon region of eastern Ecuador and southern Colombia.^[3]

Aechmea zebrina
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Poales
Family:	Bromeliaceae
Genus:	Aechmea
Subgenus:	Aechmea subg. Platyaechmea
Species:	A. zebrina
Binomial name
Aechmea zebrina L.B.Sm.
Synonyms[1]
Platyaechmea zebrina (L.B.Sm.) L.B.Sm. & W.J.Kress

Description

Aechmea zebrina is a large epiphytic bromeliad that can grow more than 1 metre tall and wide and hold nearly 4 litres of water between its leaves. It typically occurs in the upper canopy of overstory trees at heights of 18–45 m. A single tree can host more than 150 Aechmea zebrina.^[3]

Aechmea zebrina in its natural arboreal habitat in Ecuador.

Cultivars

• Aechmea 'Hercules'^[4]
• Aechmea 'Orinoco'^[4]
• × Neomea 'Valli'^[4]