Dr. T. Ombrello - UCC Biology Department

CORALBERRY

Common name:

Coralberry. In addition, all members of the genus Aechmea are referred to as Air Pines, Air Plants, or Living Vases.

Scientific name: Aechmea fulgens discolor

Explanation of scientific name:

Aechmea - from the Greek word, referring to the pointed sepals (petal-like structures found at the base of a flower) of this plant genus

fulgens - shining, glistening, in reference to the flower of this plant

discolor - of 2 or more different colors. The discolor variety of Aechmea fulgens has leaves that are dark olive green above and brownish-red or violet-red beneath, and are faintly striped with gray cross bands; hence, the variety name of discolor. The more common Aechmea fulgens has uniformly green colored leaves.

Aechmea fulgens discolor is a member of the Pineapple or Bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae). This family is comprised of species with a wide diversity of form, including the Pineapple (Ananas comosus) and Spanish Moss (Tillandsia usneoides). There are about 165 species in the genus Aechmea, most of which are native to South America. Aechmeas are usually epiphytes, in that they live on other plants (such as in the crotches of tree limbs or clinging to the bark of large branches) but do not derive nutrition from their hosts. Aechmea fulgens discolor is typical of the genus in this respect. In its native habitat of Brazil, it is often found growing on trees with the root system functioning primarily to hold it onto the bark.

As with many Bromeliads, this species has made some truly amazing adaptations for water and mineral procurement. Since the roots have lost most of their absorptive function in the process of evolving to serve as holdfasts, the leaves have come to serve in that capacity. Up to 16 inches long and 3 inches wide, the leaves of the Coralberry grow in a rosette fashion. The lower portions of the leaves have sheaths that make watertight contact along their edges. This allows the rosette of leaves to hold water and Bromeliads that have this capacity are referred to as “tank” types. The upper surfaces of the leaves that line this tank are modified for water and mineral absorption. This has allowed for the development of an ecological relationship practically unknown in other plants. The Coralberry (and other “tank” type Bromeliads) not only gets its water through the leaves but also supplements its meager mineral supply with the excrement and remains of a host of small plants and animals. Plant life ranging from single-celled algae to mosses and even flowering plants have been found inhabiting Bromeliad tanks. Animal life ranging from protozoans, insects and crabs, to frogs, salamanders and snakes have been found in the tanks. Many of these species live or breed exclusively within the tanks. Mosquito larvae in these tanks do not have to be near the water surface to draw their oxygen from the atmosphere. The photosynthesizing leaves give off excess oxygen, which saturates the water and allows the larvae to thrive and remain protected well below the surface. Unfortunately, malaria-carrying mosquitoes can breed in the Bromeliad tanks, and local outbreaks of malaria have been linked to an abundance of tank type Bromeliads in the area.

Another characteristic that has allowed the Coralberry to adapt to its rain forest habitat is a thick leathery leaf to conserve water. A rain forest may receive a great deal of precipitation, but it is also very warm and a plant without a significant root system must make provisions to minimize water loss.

The leaves are also covered with water absorbing scale-like hairs, which give the leaf surfaces a powdery gray-white or scurfy appearance. This is referred to as a “bloom” on the leaf surface. Coralberry leaves get their faint gray cross bands from the uneven patterning of this bloom. The scales making up this bloom are quite delicate, and can be rubbed off with one’s fingers. Water not absorbed by the scales runs down the inclined leaf surface and is channeled into the tank.

The leaves of Coralberry are quite fibrous. South American Indians have used this species and others as a source of fibers for rope and rough cloth for untold centuries.

The flowers of Coralberry are relatively small, but are conspicuously colored with blue/purple petals. The stalks that support the flowers (the scapes) and the oval ovaries of the flowers are a brilliant red. The color combinations are striking. The common name Coralberry is based on these distinctive flower clusters. Since the brightly colored tissues persist for long periods of time, the plant is said to be “in bloom” for months on end.

After “blooming” the entire rosette of leaves that supported the flower cluster dies. From the base of the old rosette a number of offsets or “pups” will develop to replace it. Each pup will develop into its own rosette, and after several years each will produce its own flower. The pups can be separated as individual plants, and this is the primary means by which the rosette types of Bromeliads are propagated by people.