|
Pitcairnia is a genus of the botanical family Bromeliaceae,
subfamily Pitcairnioideae. It was named for Dr. William
Pitcairn, English physician and gardener (1711-1791)[1]. The
genus Pitcairnia ranks as the second most prolific of the
bromeliad family (after Tillandsia). They are most abundant
in Colombia, Peru and Brazil, but can also be found in areas
from Cuba and Mexico south to Argentina. One species,
Pitcairnia feliciana is found in tropical West Africa and is
the only member of the Bromeliaceae family not found in the
New World.
Almost all Pitcairnias are terrestrial or saxicolous, and
prefer moist areas. However, many are found growing
epiphytically in trees.
44 Pitcairnia species had been classified in the genus
Pepinia. Pepinia was first established as a subgenus by
Lyman Smith and then elevated to a genus by Varadarajan and
Gilmatin based on the absence of seed appendages. A
molecular study has confirmed that these plants are not an
independent genus, and are correctly classified within
Pitcairnia |
