by Elton Leme in Bromelia 6; 29. 1994
Quesnelia edmundoi L.B Smith is a species typical of the lowland Atlantic forest of Rio de Janeiro state. The specific epithet of this bromeliad was chosen in honor of one of its collectors, the eminent Brazilian taxonomist and bromeliad specialist, Edmundo Pereira, who passed away in 1986. This plant is primarily an epiphyte; it reproduces vegetatively by stiff, robust stolons, forming small plant clusters on the upper branches of the tree layer. As a rule, the rosette is tubular, with densely grouped leaves; long thorns (4mm) line the edge of the blade. The 15cm-long inflorescence is shaped like a strobilus.
Two varieties of Q. edmundoi are recognized today besides the type variety, i.e., var. rubrobracteata E Pereira and var. intermedia Pereira & Leme. All are found in the same general area, but each population has a rather well-defined geographic dominance.
The type variety was described in 1955, based on a specimen collected in the foothills of the mountains near Teresopolis. The main distinguishing characteristics of this variety include the predominately cylindrical inflorescence (especially as flowering ends), with greenish-yellow bracts, a slightly suberect apex, and pale yellow petals. Populations of this variety are common in Duque de Caxias, Guapimirim, Mage and Cachoeira de Macacu municipalities, ranging to the foothills of nearby mountains.
The variety rubrobracteata, described in 1981, is the most interesting and ornamental of all the varieties. It often has intensely red leaves, especially towards the apex. The inflorescence has dark red floral bracts with whitish tips, and is often branched at the base. The petals are pale blue. This variety is found mostly along the mid-course of the Sao Joao River, in Silva Jardim municipality. It is especially common in the Poco das Antas Biological Reserve, and is also found in neighboring Casimiro de Abreu municipality.
Finally, the variety intermedia, as the name suggests, is represented by populations which grow in the Gavioes region (upper Sao Joao valley), in Silva Jardim. This variety has traits which are intermediate to those described above. It was described only in 1984 and closely resembles var. rubrobracteata in its simple, rather globose inflorescence. The floral bracts are reddish orange towards the base and yellowish towards the tip. The petals are yellow as in the type variety.
All varieties of Q. edmundoi are grown extensively today, even in the colder regions of the state. The species is endemic to Rio de Janeiro and its in situ conservation status should receive special attention since it comes from one of the most threatened habitats in Rio de Janeiro - the lowland Atlantic forest which is a prime target of man's occupation. —SeeSmith & Downs 1979