Tillandsia ionantha - the species that keeps the genera together.

When it comes to Tillandsia ionantha, there is a sea of confusion when one tries to make sense of this species. Nomenclature, when it comes to Tillandsia ionantha, is adding to the confusion, especially when changes take place. For the serious collector, names bring order to a collection and when it comes to Tillandsia ionantha, the full spectrum of name giving comes to the front here. Just to refresh: Genera = Tillandsia Species = ionantha Variety = stricta (as an example) Forma = fastigiata (as an example) Cultivar = Dark Red (as an example) A Tillandsia ionantha can also be a result of an interspecific cross. This is for example when a Tillandsia ionantha var. stricta is crossed with example Tillandsia ionantha var. ionantha. Tillandsia Oriental Red, Tillandsia Fuego x Tillandsia Druid, is an example of a interspecific cross. A hybrid is when Tillandsia ionantha is hybridized with another Tillandsia species. Normally the hybrid is given a name like example Tillandsia Victoria. This is a hybrid of Tillandsia ionantha X Tillandsia brachycaulos. There can be different cultivars registered/or not registered of this hybrid. Tillandsia ionantha var. ionantha is the most common and available variety. It was described in 1855 by Jules Emile Planchon. This variety is the most widespread, growing from Mexico to Costa Rica at altitudes of 450 to 5,000 feet. It varies somewhat in appearance from country to country, as well as within each country. It grows in dense masses in moist forests, as well as on exposed deciduous trees and rocks in arid regions. It can vary from silvery color with thin leaves, to green and lush, with thick, succulent-type leaves. When it starts to flower, the entire plant turns a brilliant rosy red. The narrow, tubular flowers are large for the size of the plant, topping the foliage by 1 to 1 ½ inches. The petals are vivid purple. Tillandsia ionantha var. ionantha

Tillandsia ionantha Apretado?

Tillandsia ionantha Blush Forever

Tillandsia Pink Champagne

Tillandsia Druid

Tillandsia Sumo Size White

Tillandsia ionantha var. fuego

Tillandsia stricta var. fastigiata (Peanuts)

Tillandsia stricta var fastigiata (Penito)

Tillandsia Fountain

Got this as Tillandsia Hand Grenade, but probably it is not. But still beautiful.

This one I call Tillandsia ionantha Hidden Flower

Tillandsia Hondurensis

Tillandsia Mexico

Tillandsia Multicolour - one of my own cultivars.