SafePlants

Billbergia: An Overview

The genus Billbergia encompasses a variety of bromeliads, often admired for their unique foliage and vibrant flowers. They are commonly known as ornamental plants in warmer climates and indoors.

Considerations for Pets

• Some species have stiff, spiny-edged leaves, which could pose a minor physical hazard.

Considerations for Children

• Some species have stiff, spiny-edged leaves, which could pose a minor physical hazard.

Nomenclature and Taxonomy

• Scientific Name: Billbergia
• Family: Bromeliaceae (bromeliad or pineapple family)
• Subfamily: Bromelioideae
• The genus is named after the Swedish botanist, zoologist, and botanist Gustaf Johan Billberg.
• The genus Billbergia is further subdivided into two subgenera: Billbergia and Helicodea.

Common Names

• Queen's Tears (specifically for Billbergia nutans)
• Friendship Plant (specifically for Billbergia nutans)

Distribution and Habitat

• Billbergia species are native to the Americas, ranging from central Mexico to northern Argentina.
• Specifically, Billbergia nutans is native to Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina.
• Billbergia viridiflora is native to southeastern Mexico (Chiapas).
• In their natural habitat, they are generally epiphytic, growing on rocks or trees.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Billbergia are evergreen, rosette-forming perennials.
• They have linear or strap-shaped leaves.
• They produce panicles or racemes of tubular flowers, often with colorful bracts.
• The rosette shape is typically tubular and narrowly funnel or vase-shaped.
• Billbergia nutans is known for readily forming clumps of upright bronzy-green rosettes.

Billbergia nutans (Queen's Tears, Friendship Plant)

• A vigorous bromeliad that is easy to grow.
• It can reach up to 2 feet tall.