Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Blushing bromeliad

Family: Bromeliaceae (Bromeliad)

Distribution: South America

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

Comments: This bromeliad, in its natural rainforest habitat, grows on trees (epiphyte) or among other species on the forest floor. It is noted for its centre turning red when it is about to flower, from where the common name in English “blushing” is derived. The small violet non-showy flowers eventually make their way out of the bracts. This seems to happen at no specific time of the year.