October 11th Presentation
Bromeliad Diversity in the Andean Páramo
Bromeliads are found throughout the American Tropics, and the high-elevation ecosystems of this region are no exception. This talk presents an overview of their diversity in the páramo, a humid alpine biome of the northern Andes that harbors exceptional species richness. It will examine recent scientific research on the origins of this diversity, the ecological processes that sustain it, and the evolutionary adaptations that make these plants so successful in extreme environments. The presentation will also address pressing conservation issues and the importance of protecting páramo bromeliads within this globally significant ecosystem.
Bromeliad Diversity in the Andean Páramo
Bromeliads are found throughout the American Tropics, and the high-elevation ecosystems of this region are no exception. This talk presents an overview of their diversity in the páramo, a humid alpine biome of the northern Andes that harbors exceptional species richness. It will examine recent scientific research on the origins of this diversity, the ecological processes that sustain it, and the evolutionary adaptations that make these plants so successful in extreme environments. The presentation will also address pressing conservation issues and the importance of protecting páramo bromeliads within this globally significant ecosystem.
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Speaker bio: Dr. Julián Aguirre-Santoro, originally from Colombia, is a botanist and evolutionary biologist focusing his research on the taxonomy and evolution of bromeliads, one of the most diverse plant groups confined to the American tropics. He completed his doctorate at the New York Botanical Garden and is now Curator of Vascular Plants for Latin America at the Missouri Botanical Garden. Julián’s research explores the evolutionary history of bromeliads, uncovering how this family has diversified into a wide variety of forms and ecological strategies. As herbarium curator, he also oversees the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Latin American collections, leading expeditions and fostering collaborations that strengthen ties with the region’s botanical community. |
Dave Kennedy will supply us with a nice raffle table and auction setup in October.
Good Luck everyone!
Good Luck everyone!
Bromeliads
pronounced broh-MEE-le-ads
. . . flowering plants belonging to the plant family Bromeliaceae.
There are more than 3,000 species and hundreds of hybrids.
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In a Nutshell:Bromeliads are members of a plant family known as Bromeliaceae (bro-meh-lee-AH-say-eye). The family contains over 3000 described species in approximately 56 genera. The most well known bromeliad is the pineapple. The family contains a wide range of plants including some very un-pineapple like members such as Spanish Moss (which is neither Spanish nor a moss). Other members resemble aloes or yuccas while still others look like green, leafy grasses.
In general they are inexpensive, easy to grow, require very little care, and reward the grower with brilliant, long lasting blooms and ornamental foliage. They come in a wide range of sizes from tiny miniatures to giants. They can be grown indoors in cooler climates and can also be used outdoors where temperatures stay above freezing. |
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