This is my first post and I have a question to the taxanomists on the list or anybody who can help! My question is, are bromeliads orchidaceous plants? I know bromeliads are in the family of Bromeliaceae and orchids are in the order of Orchidaceae but the word "orchidaceous" describes epiphytic plants, so does that mean all epiphytic plants are orchidaceous, including bromeliads.
Thanks,
Steve
Steve:
Although bromeliads are often found growing with orchids in the new world subtropical and tropical forests, they are not closely related at all (beyond the fact that both are monocots). They used to be considered as allied to the Commelinaceae (the group that contains the Tradescantias, or Wandering Jews). Recently however DNA evidence has suggested (oddly, I think) that they are closer to the Poaceae, the grass family. I have also seen them segregated into a small group with the Typhaceae (cattails) and Anagozanthaceae (kangaroo paws), which is even odder.
They certainly enjoy the same conditions as orchids, and work well aesthetically combined in horticultural displays. Though some are faster growers and will overwhelm orchids.
The word "orchidaceous" is used correctly to refer to plants in the orchid family whether they are epiphytic or not. It do not believe it refers to the epiphytic habit.
Dennis
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