Tillandsia fasciculata

Tillandsia fasciata, commonly known as the banded air plant, is a captivating epiphytic species native to tropical regions. While primarily prized by horticulturists for its striking silver foliage, it holds traditional significance in ethnobotany. This resilient plant thrives on moisture and air, offering unique biological insights into medicinal ecosystems.

  • Scientific name: Tillandsia fasciculata
  • Family: Bromeliaceae
  • Native range: Northern America

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Poales, it is classified under the family Bromeliaceae. Finally, it is identified by its specific genus, Tillandsia.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Poales WCVP
Family Bromeliaceae WCVP
Genus Tillandsia WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Tillandsia fasciiculata, is referred to by various common names depending on the language. In Korean, it is called 홍관조틸란드시아, while in Chinese, it can be identified as either 束状铁兰 or 丛生铁兰.
Language Common Name Source
ko 홍관조틸란드시아 Wikidata
zh 束状铁兰 Wikidata
zh 丛生铁兰 Wikidata

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the Southeastern United States, with a significant presence in Florida. Its range extends deep into Mexico, where it can be found throughout the central regions. Furthermore, it inhabits the northeastern parts of Mexico, contributing to its diverse presence in the country. The species is also established along the Mexican Gulf coastlines. Finally, its geographical reach completes its pattern by spreading into the northwestern territories of Mexico.

Region Area Source
Southeastern U.S.A. Florida WCVP
Mexico Mexico Central WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northeast WCVP
Mexico Mexico Gulf WCVP
Mexico Mexico Northwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southwest WCVP
Mexico Mexico Southeast WCVP
Central America Belize WCVP
Central America Costa Rica WCVP
Central America El Salvador WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Tillandsia fasciiculata, is characterized by its unique morphology, where the leaves serve as the primary interface for nutrient and moisture absorption. As an atmospheric epiphyte, its leaves are typically stiff, succulent, and covered in a dense layer of specialized silvery scales called trichomes, which allow the plant to capture water and minerals directly from the air and rainfall. These leaves are often arranged in a tight, rosette-like formation, helping to funnel moisture toward the center of the plant to support its survival in various environments.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Tillandsia fasciculata has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (24S)-24-isopropenyl cycloartanone, cyclolaudenol, cyclolaudenone, tillandsinone.

Total chemicals
4
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
(24S)-24-isopropenyl cycloartanone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cyclolaudenol 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cyclolaudenone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
tillandsinone 1 ★☆☆☆☆