Rainforest
Realm
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are epiphytes. Epiphytes are plants that live on branches
from other plants. The bromeliads are related to pineapples, which are
also epiphytes. Some bromeliads can be the height of 100 feet (30
meters).
A bromeliad is a family of plants that have long, stiff, waxy leaves, usually
arranged i
n
a cluster around a "cup" that catches water. Bromeliads store water in
enormous "tanks" that can hold up to 2.5 gallons. They survive on the decaying
bark from the tree hollows and also the nutrients from the leaves that
fall in the water they hold. They breathe humid forest air. Spiders, beetles,
ants, earthworms, and tree frogs help make up the bromeliads homes.
The bromeliads are also perennials. Perennials are plants that grow
every season.
