What are Bromeliads?
Bromeliads are naturally epiphytes able to thrive in tree canopies, decaying organic matter and bare rock. Similar to orchids, they are able to survive with virtually no soil, extreme exposures, variable water and yet produce attractive foliage and magnificent blooms.

Their evolution is relatively recent dating back to approximately 30 million years ago. The Angiosperms (flowering plants) first started to dominate some 100-200 million years ago. It is believed bromeliads evolved in the mountainous Andean region of South America where some of the most ancient and diverse species are found. They are distributed as far as southeast United States (VA), throughout Central and South America to their southernmost limit in southern reaches of Buenas Aires and Chile.
The Bromeliaceae (bromeliad or pineapple family) contains approximately 2000 species. The three subfamilies with their approximate percent distributions are: Pitcairnioideae (25%), Bromelioideae (25%) and Tillandsioideae (50%). Tillandsias having the most diversity also cover the greatest range of natural habitats.

Generally, bromeliads are found in moist, subalpine forests that have plenty of cloud cover and frequent, short rain bursts providing water without leaching out limited nutrients from the growing site. Lessons may also be learned from where bromeliads do not grow naturally. Only a few bromeliads can survive exposure to freezing temperatures. Also, bromeliads will rarely form the dominant species in their habitat. Usually, they need other plants to provide physical support, nutrients and shelter. Their ability to hold water in their cups is important for many species of insects, reptiles and small amphibians adding to the diversity of the forest and helping to feed the plant.

When and Why Were They Cultivated?
Interest in bromeliads began as early as 1493 with Columbus' voyage to the West Indies. He discovered the 'Indians' growing pineapple and brought it back to the Spanish Court where it was well received. It was slowly spread for cultivation throughout the tropical parts of the world. It was not seriously cultivated till the 1600s in Europe by the wealthy in greenhouses. There are 14 'bromeliads' in the original Species Plantarum written by the famous botanist Linnaeus. By the late 1700s the French botanist, Auguste Jaume de Saint-Hilaire established the family Bromeliaceae. During this same time explorers where bringing back many unusual species from around the globe, especially in Belgium and France. Collectors and botanical societies coveted many diverse species. By the end of the 1900s hybridization experimentation started to produce new varieties and vigorous specimens for the new horticulture industry. The Bromeliad Society was founded in 1950 to expand awareness and enthusiasm towards the plants around the world.
At first the names of the bromeliads seem very exotic themselves. Linnaeus used Bromilia, which later became the modern Bromeliaceae and its three subfamilies. The subfamilies are divided in separate genera (singular genus) and then further in species. Quite often the species are further divided into varieties (var.) which is a form of a distinct species. For example, Aechmea fasciata var. variegata is a genus Aechmea (spear tip) with the species fasciata (banded) and the variety or form is variegata (leaves with longitudinal white stripes and green edges).

The genus and species names are derived in three different ways: descriptive terms, usually in Latin or Greek; people's names as an honor to sponsors, explorers or others; and geographical designations of their original habitat. In nomenclature literature the last name of the botanist usually follows the plant name [e.g., Vriesea splendens (Brongniart) Lemaire, 1850-1851] with the parenthesised entry as the original discovers with the later as credit for the most recent identification.