Quesnelia
Quesnelia is a genus of flowering plants in the Bromeliaceae family, subfamily Bromelioideae. These epiphytic or terrestrial bromeliads are native to Brazil and are known for their vibrant, often colorful, foliage and distinctive inflorescences.
Description:
Quesnelia species typically form rosettes of stiff, often spiny-edged leaves. The leaves can be various shades of green, often with patterns of mottling, banding, or spotting. The inflorescences are usually erect and can be quite showy, featuring brightly colored bracts and flowers. The flowers themselves are typically small and often hidden within the bracts.
Distribution and Habitat:
Quesnelia bromeliads are primarily found in the Atlantic Forest of Brazil. They inhabit a range of environments, including rainforests, cloud forests, and rocky outcrops. They can grow as epiphytes on trees or as terrestrials in the soil.
Cultivation:
Several species of Quesnelia are cultivated as ornamental plants. They are relatively easy to grow as houseplants, requiring bright, indirect light and well-draining potting mix. They are typically watered by filling the central cup of the rosette and allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Species:
The genus Quesnelia includes a number of species, including but not limited to:
- Quesnelia arvensis
- Quesnelia augusto-coburgii
- Quesnelia glaziovii
- Quesnelia humilis
- Quesnelia liboniana
- Quesnelia marmorata
- Quesnelia quesneliana
- Quesnelia testudo
Taxonomy:
The genus Quesnelia was named in honor of Michel Quesnel, a French consul stationed in French Guiana. It is part of the Bromelioideae subfamily, which is characterized by having inferior ovaries. The taxonomy of Quesnelia has been subject to revisions, and some species have been moved to other genera.