Notes
Aechmea wuelfinghoffii belongs to the sub-genus Pothuava. Since the splitting of the sub-genera from Aechmea to Genera ( Smith & Kress 1989), no general agreement has been found, this new species shall, following the old system, be treated in the genus Aechmea
The species of the sub-genus Pothuava are characterized by the simple inflorescnece and very dense with usually sessile flowers. The sepals are spiny tipped and scales are present at the base on the inside of the petals. Their range in Central America reaches Ecuador and Peru to Brazil, where half the species of this group can be found. The most cultivated species of Pothuava has also a large geographic range, namely Aechmea nudicaulis (L.), Grisebach, with varieties from Mexico, to Peru and Brazil. Further known species are Aechmea allenii L.B. Smith and the imposing Aechmea mariae-reginae H. Wendland, a species with male and female plants. Ecuadorian members of this group are Aechmea aciculosa, until now only known from the type locality, Aechmea involucrata Andre, Aechmea fraseri Baker and naturally the closest relative to Aechmea wuelfinghoffii, Aechmea drakeana, that is well cultivated. Aechmeas involucrata and Aechmea fraseri have been rediscovered after some years, were not in cultivation until when they were colourfully portrayed in the American Bromeliad Journal. Aechmea wuelfinghoffii is a decorative species, that needs a light location without direct sunlight. In strong light the leaves quickly yellow and the plant perishes. The long tubed flowers resemble those of Aechmea drakeana individually, but are different in that they join together in an inflorescence like a pinecone. Also there are the numerous, rigidly erect and imbricate scape bracts. Also different is the altitude where both species grow.. Aechmea drakeana grows at a height 800 to1500 m, Aechmea wuelfinghoffii somewhat lower at 600 to 800 m; —SeeDie Bromelie
