Bromeliaceae

Bromeliaceae is the only Family of flowering plants within the Order Bromeliales, although the APG II System places it within Poales. It is a herb with over 2,000 species and 45 genera. The pineapple was the first introduce Bromeliad about 500 years ago when Columbus brought it to Spain upon return from his second voyage to the New World in 1493. It wasn't until 1776 when the next Bromeliad was introduced to Europe. Now there is over 2,000 different species known to man.

Anatomy
The perianth (petals and sepals) has 3 distinct connate segments. The calyx is usually green. Sometimes it is brightly colored, but that is very uncommon. The corolla though is brightly colored and the segments often show a pair of basic but important scales. The androecium is connected to the corolla. The gynoecium, in other words the pistel, is 3 carpels. The fruit, or ovary is normally a berry or a capsule. They are normally green leafed with vibrant colors for the actual flower extension.

Reproduction
The flowers are normally bisexual, which means they contain male and female organs, and are normally also actinomorphic, which means they are radially symmetrical. There are also some Bromeliaceae plants known to be unisexual and zygorphic.

Ecology
Many bromeliads adapt to growing conditions found indoors, this means that they make excellent interior plants. Older, larger plants can also be used as landscaping plants in warm areas, this is common in Florida.

Related References

 * Bromelianceae wikipedia
 * Bromelianceae botany.hawaii
 * Bromelianceae ucmp.berkely
 * Bromeliad Society International