SafePlants

Florida Strap Airplant (Catopsis floribunda)

The Florida Strap Airplant, scientifically known as Catopsis floribunda, is a fascinating bromeliad native to Florida. It's also referred to as the Florida catopsis and many-flowered strap airplant.

Considerations for Pets

• Many air plants grow with strap-shaped or slender triangle-shaped leaves.

Considerations for Children

• Many air plants grow with strap-shaped or slender triangle-shaped leaves.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Catopsis floribunda L.B. Sm.
• Common Name: Florida Strap Airplant
• Rank: Species
• Family: Bromeliaceae (Pineapple Family)
• Synonyms: Recent synonyms exist, but are not specified.
• Other Catopsis species mentioned:
  • Catopsis berteroniana (Powdery Strap Airplant)
  • Catopsis juncifolia
  • Catopsis nitida
  • Catopsis nutans

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to Florida, Central America, and the Greater Antilles (Cuba, Hispaniola, Jamaica). Also found in the West Indies and northern South America.
• Specifically mentioned as occurring in Southwest Florida, including the Fakahatchee Strand.
• Epiphytic, meaning it grows on other plants, such as trees, without harming them.
• Somewhat rare epiphyte in natural landscapes and habitat restorations.

Ecological Role

• The Florida Strap Airplant is a carnivorous bromeliad, one of only two known bromeliads that consume insects.
• Primarily recommended for natural landscapes and habitat restorations.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Classified as a forb/herb, a non-woody plant that is not a grass.
• Epiphytic growth habit.
• Night-flowering.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The weevil, Metamasius callizona, attacks native Tillandsia bromeliads in natural areas.
• Grows as an epiphyte, needing a host for support, but not stealing water or nutrition.

Quirky Facts

• The Florida Strap Airplant is one of only two known carnivorous bromeliads.
• The "Nodding Strap Airplant" is mentioned as being super rare and growing over a pond in the Fakahatchee Strand in Southwest Florida.

Further Information

• Dave's Garden is mentioned as a resource for gardening tips and ideas.
• Encyclopedia of Life includes articles about Catopsis floribunda.
• Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Catopsis floribunda.