Gouda 2026e (Article) Tillandsia, New combination

Tillandsia recurvifolia var. subsecundifolia must be recognized on species level

Author(s):—E.J. Gouda

Publication:—Journal of the Bromeliad Society 75(2): 54-57. (2026)

Abstract:—Tillandsia recurvifolia var. subsecundifolia (W.Weber & Ehlers) W.Till (1995) is better off as a species in its own right than as a variety of Tillandsia recurvifolia (Hook 1861) because it is more closely related to another species and very different from Tillandsia recurvifolia.

Published names (1):

Tillandsia subsecundifolia

Taxonomy:—Tillandsia subsecundifolia Tillandsia recurvifolia var. subsecundifolia is a much larger species than T. recurvifolia and very different in texture of the leaves and floral bracts and also the color of the bracts. Morphologically it is more closely related to Tillandsia minasgeraisensis Ehlers & W.Till (2008) to which it was also compared in the protologue. This is the reason why it should be recognized on species level. .