Ecology and distribution: This species is found on the Pacific slopes, from Jalisco in Mexico, to Nicoya in Costa Rica, also occurring in the Central Valley of Chiapas (Fig. 2). Its distribution coincides almost exactly with the Mexican Pacific Coast biogeographical province (Morrone 2001, 2005). They are epiphytes, rarely lithophytes, growing in low deciduous forests, at 0–1130 m above sea level, in a tropical subhumid climate.
IUCN conservation assessment: Least concern (LC). The distributional area of Tillandsia cucaensis (extent of occurrence) far exceeds 20000 km2 (> 300000 km2) and the area of occupancy spreads through most of this area. The species occurs in a variety of ecosystems ranging from extremely dry forests and rocky outcrops into the edges of cloud forests. It is fairly common in many places and, even in disturbed areas, it frequently survives in remaining trees left in pastures and on live fences. It is also not subject to significant collecting pressures.
Pacific slopes, from Jalisco in Mexico, to Nicoya in Costa Rica —SeePinzon et al. 2012
