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powdery strap airplant

Scientific Name: Catopsis berteroniana

Family: Bromeliaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth: Forb/herb

Duration: Perennial

Other Names: FL (powdery (=yellow) catopsis)

       

Catopsis berteroniana: Powdery Strap Airplant

Catopsis berteroniana, commonly known as the Powdery Strap Airplant, is a fascinating epiphytic bromeliad native to Florida, the West Indies, and other parts of the Americas.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is an epiphyte, growing without soil, which may make it less accessible to pets on the ground.
  • The leaves have a powdery coating which may cause irritation if ingested or contacted.

Considerations for Children

  • The leaves have a powdery coating which may cause irritation if ingested or contacted.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Catopsis berteroniana (Schult. & Schult. f.) Mez
  • Family: Bromeliaceae (Bromeliad or Pineapple Family)
  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Synonyms: No recent synonyms were found.
  • Common Names: Powdery Strap Airplant, Powdery Catopsis, West Indies Catopsis, Yellow Catopsis, Mealy Wild Pine

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to Florida (including the Everglades National Park near Nine Mile Pond, Miami-Dade County), the West Indies, southern Mexico, Central America, and tropical South America.
  • It is an epiphyte, meaning it grows on other plants (like trees) for support, absorbing nutrients and moisture from the air and rain.

Morphological Characteristics

  • It is a medium-sized plant.
  • It is an epiphytic herb with light green leaves covered with a powdery coating.
  • Typically grows to about 6-12 inches in height.
  • Evergreen, retaining its green or pinkish color throughout the seasons.
  • Leaves are strap-like, growing in rosettes up to 7 dm.

Ecological Role

  • Endangered Species: In some regions, such as Florida, the powdery strap airplant is listed as an endangered species.
  • Attracts Insects: The powdery coating on the leaves is attractive to insects that are sensitive to UV light.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • Weevils: It is susceptible to weevil attacks. The weevil Metamasius callizona can pose a threat to this species.

Quirky Facts

  • The powdery strap airplant is described as "lantern of the forest", due to its chalky powder.

Further Information

  • Discover Life: Offers a page dedicated to the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Catopsis berteroniana.
  • Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Provides information about North America's native plants.