DISCUSSION
This species was included in Nidularium subgen. Canistropsis mainly on the basis of its long petal tube nearly half as long as the petals, and absence of petal appendages. The densely corymbose, nest-like inflorescence also contributed to its original position. However, a clear phylogenetic proximity of this species to A. echinata was identified on the basis of the following characteristics: relatively poorly developed primary bracts; floral bracts with long apical spine; sepals clearly asymmetric, alate carinate, with keels decurrent on the ovary and long apical spine; epigynous tube well developed, and apiculate ovules.
The glossy leaves which are entire, or nearly so, plus vegetative reproduction by stolons serve to identify A. weberi even when sterile. In a way, these traits remind one of A. weilbachii Didrichsen, although there is no phylogenetic relationship whatsoever between these two species, and their inflorescences are totally different.
Together with A. echinata, A. paradoxa and A. mollis, Aechmea weberi forms the "southern-Bahia complex" of Aechmea - a coherent group of species, even in terms of ecology and phytogeography. This complex seems to fit into Aechmea subgen. Aechmea because of its densely corymbose, nest-like inflorescence and petals that form a basal tube. The gamopetalous corolla is better developed in A. weberi, with a tube nearly half as long as the petals, as was mentioned above. The absence of petal appendages may result from the so-called compensation mechanism that was discussed in Chapters 1 and 3. Compared to the other species of Aechmea dealt with in this chapter, the longitudinal callosity on the petals is less well developed in A. weberi.
DISTRIBUTION & HABITAT
This terrestrial species lives in the litter layer on sandy soils in the transition zone between coastal plain and Atlantic forest. It is endemic to Una municipality and apparently all of the known collections were made within the same small area, at approximately 30 m altitude. There are at least three different clones in cultivation, in Brazil and overseas. In its native habitat, A. weberi apparently flowers mainly in January and February at least most of the flowering specimens were collected during this period. It forms small populations of 20-30 plants in the diffuse light of the forest, but it does not form dense clumps. A. leonard-kentiana H. Luther & Leme, Araeococcus parviflorus (Martius & Schultes f. ) Lindman, Billbergia saundersii W Bull, Lymania smithii R. W Read, and other bromelioids share this same habitat. There is no record of this species occurring in conservation units, although the populations are found very close to the Una Biological Reserve (IBAMA) on the IlheusUna highway (BA-001 , km 46). Intended to preserve the golden-faced lion tamarin, this reserve may be the only option for ex situ survival of A. weberi in the future. p. Canistrum- Broms of Atl forest
