Tillandsia aeranthos (Loisel.) L.B.Sm.
Literature references:
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Comments:
- Common names - Cravo-do-mato, gravatazinho, bromelia.
Ecological observations - small Herb, from 15 to 20cm high, epiphytic, with a strong rhizome covered with the old remains of the sheaths, with roots strong, short and arching caulescent, numerous leaves, covering the stem densely, the external ones arching decurved, the middle to interior suberect or erect, relatively wide, triangular, narrowing from the base to the apex, strongly grooved-concave, inflorescence simple, flowers with beautiful bracts rosy or crimson and the flowers violet, good-looking; characteristic and exclusive to the Atlantic Forest in Santa Catarina, where it is restricted, it discontinues and dispersion is unknown.
The species is a heliophyte or in diffused light, rare; found preferentially in open forests or isolated trees close at sea level in Santa Catarina.
It is treated possibly with species spread in Paraguay and Argentina, the basins of Rio Paraguay and Rio Paraná in the Basin of the Uruguay-Jacui in Rio Grande do Sul and in north towards Sombrio and Laguna and possibly to the Ilha de Santa Catarina in the State of Santa Catarina, an example with other species of the forest of Alto Uruguay in previous climatic changes. .
Usefulness - Used as a diuretic, it is said to combat blenorragia (M.C.D'avila). The whole plant is made into a decoction and used internally. Ornamental.
Key to Tillandsia aeranthos at 5/2006 by Butcher
1. Petals dark blue 2
1a Petals other colours 3
2.Floral bracts yellow green var. albeobracteata
2a Floral bracts rosy red 5
3. Petals white 4
3a Petals clear pink var. rosea
4. Floral bracts pale yellow var. flava
4aFloral bracts white var. alba
5. Floral bracts to 2cm long var. aeranthos
5aFloral bracts to 2.7cm long var. aemula —See Reitz 1983
