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Gray Tillandsia: Habitat
On the branches in front of you are growing several representatives of the genus
Tillandsia. Consisting of more than 600 species, Tillandsia is the
largest genus of bromeliads. Most of these are epiphytes, meaning they live on other
trees, shrubs, or even cacti. Only a small portion lives on rocks or sand dunes.
Getting from one tree branch to another is a vital matter for epiphytes. Species
of Tillandsia rely on the wind. In dry weather, their seed pods burst and
release tiny, hair-covered seeds which are then carried away by a breeze. The seeds
stick to wet or rough surfaces – ideally the bark of a tree or shrub, but sometimes
Tillandsia even colonizes telephone cables or tile roofs.
But how can Tillandsia survive in such an unwelcoming environment? If you’d
like to find out, press the pound key 107 on your handset.
Audio file download
Gray Tillandsia: Habitat (MP3, 471 KB)
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