Sky plant facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sky plant |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Tillandsia
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| Species: |
ionantha
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Tillandsia ionantha, often called the air plant, is a type of plant from the Tillandsia family. These cool plants are naturally found in Central America and Mexico. They have also started growing on their own in Broward County, Florida, in the United States.
Contents
What is an Air Plant?
Air plants are special because they don't need soil to grow! They get all their water and nutrients from the air around them. This makes them very unique.
How Air Plants Look
Air plants are usually small, growing about 6–8 centimeters (2.5–3 inches) tall. Their leaves are long and narrow, about 4–9 centimeters (1.5–3.5 inches) in length. These leaves are often covered in tiny scales that help them absorb water.
When air plants bloom, they have beautiful purple flowers. These flowers often grow close together in a cluster. After flowering, the plant produces small seed pods called capsules, which can be 2.5–4.5 centimeters (1–1.8 inches) long.
Where Do Air Plants Come From?
The scientific name Tillandsia ionantha was first described by a person named Jules Emile Planchon in a book published in 1855.
Meaning of the Name
- Tillandsia: This part of the name was given by a famous scientist, Carl Linnaeus, in 1738. He named it after a Finnish doctor and botanist named Elias Tillandz.
- ionantha: This word comes from Latin and means "with violet flowers." This makes sense because the flowers of this plant are often purple!
Different Kinds of Air Plants
There are a few different types, or varieties, of Tillandsia ionantha:
- Tillandsia ionantha var. ionantha: This is the most common type found in many places.
- Tillandsia ionantha var. stricta: This type is found in a specific area called Oaxaca.
Images for kids
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A plant in display
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On a display
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Inflorescence closeup
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Flowering on a fence
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Cultivar Tillandsia 'Druid'
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Cultivar Tillandsia 'Victoria'
See also
In Spanish: Tillandsia ionantha para niños
