According to L. B. Smith (Phytologia Vol. 21, March, 1971) T. calocephala is synonomous with T. nana. In general, we agree with L. B. Smith, but the southern Peruvian T. calocephala is quite different. It is much larger than the Tarma plant and the "involucrum" beneath the flower head is more distinct. —SeeRauh 1974dp. 172-173
Considered a synonym of Tillandsia nana Baker, but not followed by Rauh —SeeSmith & Downs 1979p. 807