Bromeliads grow all over — and one tastes good, too

Bromeliads are interesting, diverse and unusual plants with varieties ranging from the wispy Spanish moss to the huge Vriesea imperialis to the one edible bromeliad: the pineapple.

Next month, bromeliad experts and enthusiasts will gather in Hawaii for the international Bromeliads in Paradise conference.

Bromeliads are ornamental plants mostly native to Brazil and other regions of tropical America. A single species — Pitcairnia feliciana — is from West Africa.

Many of them have a rosette of leaves and a central cup that collects water and in the wild can have a whole microecosystem, a whole miniature watery world in one plant. This water helps support the plant and "feed" it. Leaves and other organic matter that fall in slowly rot and provide nutrients to the plant. All kinds of living things can find shelter in the plants.

We were always taught by our tutu gardener mentor May Moir to "flush your cups, dear," flush the watery center with fresh water at least once a week. This washes out mosquito larvae, which like to i nhabit that watery wonderland. Moir and her friend Betty Ho were some of the pioneer bromeliad growers here in Hawaii.

The range of bromeliads make them an interesting study for growers.

Some like Spanish moss and other colorful Tillandsias are epiphytes or air plants; they grow high up in trees or on other plants and shrubs. Some are terrestrial and grow in soil. Saxicolous species like to grow on rocks.

Bromeliads have specialized tiny scales on their leaves called trichomes. These scales help the plants efficiently absorb moisture. Plants from very hot, dry areas are so full of tiny scales that they look silvery and feel fuzzy.

Hawaii is famous for our edible bromeliad, the pineapple, which has become a symbol of world travel, friendship and hospitality. They are fun and easy to grow. From the stem we get bromelain, which is a protein-digesting enzyme that can be used as a meat tenderizer.

One of the largest flowers in the world, which can take 60 to 100 years to bloom, is the bromeliad Vriesea imperialis.

If you want to learn more, the Bromeliad Society International’s Bromeliads in Paradise conference pre­sents a host of opportunities. There will be seminars, exhibits, nursery and garden tours and plant sales Sept. 8-14 at the Ala Moana Hotel.

Register at the hotel on the day of the event for $275. (If you are not a member of Bromeliad Society International, you will be required to also pay $45 for membership.)

Daily plant sales are open to the public. Find the schedule of events and more information at www.bsi.org.

Lynette Wageman, one of the local organizers of the event, can be reached at lynettew@hawaii.edu or 988-6427.

Another option is to join the Hawaii Bromeliad Society, which meets monthly at Lyon Arboretum, home to various bromeliads and special gardens featuring this interesting plant. Members also go on excursions to special gardens, private collections and nurseries. Learn more at hawaii­bro­meliadsociety.org.

Heidi Leianuenue Bornhorst is a sustainable landscape consultant specializing in native, xeric and edible gardens. Reach her at heidibornhorst@gmail.com.