Heart of Flame

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Heart of Flame

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Bromelia balansae var. tricolor
• Bromelia balansae f. tricolor
• Bromelia argentina

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Poales. Finally, it is a member of the family Bromeliaceae and falls under the genus Bromelia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several key regions of the South American continent. In Western South America, it can be found growing in the territories of both Bolivia and Colombia. Its presence is also highly significant within Brazil, where it spans multiple diverse environmental zones. Specifically, the species is located throughout Brazil West-Central and the Southeast regions. Additionally, its range extends into the northern parts of Brazil, completing its broad geographical footprint.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Bromelia balansae is characterized by its presence in diverse landscapes ranging from lowland areas to higher altitudes, spanning an elevational range from 0 to 1,000 m AMSL. This species is primarily found inhabiting the Cerrado (latu sensu) biome, where it integrates into the complex mosaic of tropical savannas. Additionally, it demonstrates ecological plasticity by colonizing Área Antrópica, indicating its ability to persist within human-disturbed environments and modified landscapes.

Elevational range max:

1000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Cerrado (lato sensu)

Life history

The life history of Bromelia balansae is characterized by its classification as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. It functions as a hemicryptophyte, a life form where the perennating buds are located at or just below the soil surface, which aids in its survival and establishment within its natural habitat. Furthermore, the species maintains an evergreen deciduousness, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and photosynthetic throughout the year rather than shedding seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

hemicryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Bromelia balansae is characterized by a non-woody, herbaceous growth form, appearing as a terrestrial herb that maintains an independent lifestyle without acting as a parasite. The plant reaches an average height of approximately 1.5 m and is categorized as a self-supporting organism, rather than a climber, liana, or vine. As a strictly terrestrial species, it does not exhibit epiphytic tendencies, such as being a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte, and it functions as a non-aquatic, land-based plant.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

1.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Bromelia balansae is characterized by specialized metabolic pathways adapted to its specific ecological niche, primarily focusing on efficient water management and nutrient acquisition within its environment. As a member of the Bromeliaceae family, its physiological processes are heavily influenced by its structural adaptations, such as the ability to utilize atmospheric moisture and nutrients through foliar absorption. Regarding its nutrient cycling capabilities, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer; it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, meaning it must rely on organic matter decomposition or mineral uptake from the substrate to meet its nitrogen requirements. This absence of nitrogen-fixing capabilities (trait_1: no) defines its role in the nitrogen cycle as a consumer rather than a producer of fixed nitrogen. Its metabolic rate and photosynthetic efficiency are closely tied to its hydration status, employing physiological mechanisms to regulate transpiration and maintain osmotic balance during periods of environmental stress.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Bromelia balansae has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include fruit.

Fruit

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Journal of medicinal food

Activities

Bromelia balansae has 1 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant.

Antioxidant

1. Journal of medicinal food

Conditions

Bromelia balansae has 3 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include cough, pleurisy, wounds.

Cough

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Journal of medicinal food

Pleurisy

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Wounds

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Bromelia balansae has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include cough syrup, ethanolic extract, roasted.

Cough syrup

1. Journal of medicinal food

Ethanolic extract

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Roasted

1. Journal of medicinal food