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Bromeliaceae Family The entire Bromeliaceae (bromeliad) family is divided into
three subfamilies, containing about 56 genera.
- Bromelioideae
distributed from Mexico to
Argentina and with 28 genera, containing over 670 species.
Mostly epiphytic, tank-type plants with spiny leaves and
berry-like fruit containing wet seeds.
- Pitcairnioideae
the most primitive
bromeliads, descended from the grass family, have 17
genera, which sub-divide into almost 900 species. Most are
terrestrial and most have spiny leaves. The seeds are dry
and usually winged.
- Tillandsioideae
with only six genera, but
includes about half of the species of bromeliads, they are
mostly epiphytes. Found growing throughout the Americas,
all have spineless leaves. Seeds are dry, with feathery
parachutes and are blown and float in the wind.
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