This odd plant is very difficult to place systematically. It shows some relationship with Neoregelia bahiana (Ule) L.B. Smith from southeastern Brazil but differs from that species in many characteristics including softer, thinner leaves, a larger inflorescence, very asymmetrical sepals each with an acuminate apex, and a longer ovary . The habit of reflexed, outer leaves, similar to that of Aechmea orlandiana L.B. Smith, seems to be otherwise unknown in Neoregelia subgenus Neoregelia although a few species in subgenus Hylaeaicum are vaguely similar in this respect. The long, slender pedicels and overall habit make it clear that Neoregelia johnsoniae does not belong in the latter subgenus.
The very surprising collection locality on the upper Amazon drainage is very strange and inexplicable considering that the most closely related species of Neoregelia are nearly 3,000 km to the east. On the other hand, N. cathcartii Reed & Read is similarly disjunct in northern Venezuela. Further botanical and horticultural exploration may shed additional light on the distribution of Neoregelia subgenus Neoregelia beyond southeastern Brazil. —SeeJ. Bromeliad Soc.
