Bromelia balansae explained

Bromelia balansae is a plant species in the genus Bromelia. This species is native to Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, and Paraguay where it grows at elevations of 150 to 3,000 feet.^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Description

Bromelia balansae is a large terrestrial bromeliad somewhat resembling the pineapple. Bromelias contain green leaves that grow 2–4 feet long with very sharp spines. When prepared to bloom, the center of the plant becomes bright red and then white prior to releasing an orange fruit - for its flower the plant is known as the "heart of flame". The orange-colored fruit it yields is said to make a cooling drink. It was described as the most commonly cultivated bromelia in a book from the last century and may be used as fencing due to its large and rapid growth.^[5] It thrives in full sun and is best suited for growing outdoors.^[6]

Notes and References

1. http://apps.kew.org/wcsp/namedetail.do?name_id=222038 Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
2. Krömer . Thorsten . Kessler . Michael . Holst . Bruce K. . Luther . Harry E. . Gouda . Eric J. . Ibisch . Pierre L. . Till . Walter . Vásquez . Roberto . Checklist of Bolivian Bromeliaceae with Notes on Species Distribution and Levels of Endemism . Selbyana . 1 October 1999 . 20 . 2 . 201–223 . 41760025 . en . 2689-0682.
3. Martinelli . Gustavo . Vieira . Cláudia Magalhães . Gonzalez . Marcos . Leitman . Paula . Piratininga . Andréa . Costa . Andrea Ferreira da . Forzza . Rafaela Campostrini . Bromeliaceae da Mata Atlântica Brasileira: lista de espécies, distribuição e conservação . Rodriguésia . January 2008 . 59 . 1 . 209–258 . 23499386 . 10.1590/2175-7860200859114 . Bromeliaceae of the brazilian Atlantic Forest: checklist, distribution and conservation . pt-BR. free .
4. http://journal.bsi.org/V20/4/#BROMELIA%20BALANSAE%20AND%20ITS%20CLOSE%20RELATIVES BSI Journal V20(4), BROMELIA BALANSAE AND ITS CLOSE RELATIVES
5. Book: Padilla, Victoria. Bromeliads. 1973. Crown Publishers. New York. 0517562413. 42. registration.
6. Book: Kramer, Jack. Bromeliads The Colorful House Plants. 1976. Litton Educational Publishing, Inc.. 0-442-24518-1. 90; 100.