Abromeitiella chlorantha
Green cushion bromeliad
Abromeitiella chlorantha Mez is a rupicolous terrestrial bromeliad from the Bolivian and Argentine Andes, currently recognized as a synonym of Deuterocohnia brevifolia. It is distinguished by its rosettes of slightly longer leaves in a more intense green than typical brevifolia forms, with bright yellowish-green flowers that give it the epithet 'chlorantha' (meaning yellow-green flowered). It inhabits rocky escarpments and stony slopes between 2,800 and 4,200 m a.s.l.
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Overview
| Category | Classification |
|---|---|
| Family | Bromeliaceae |
| Genus | Abromeitiella |
| Growth Habit | Cushion-forming terrestrial bromeliad |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern (synonym of D. brevifolia) |
| pH Target | 5.5–6.5 |
| Type | Stony mineral substrate, low in organic matter, with very rapid drainage |
Origin & Habitat
Morphology
Linear-triangular leaves 2–4 cm long, somewhat longer than in typical A. brevifolia, deep and shiny green with a spiny apex. Scattered lepidote scales on the abaxial surface; no notable farina coating.
ecoTubular flowers 2.5–3 cm long, bright yellow with green tones, borne on short scapes of 6–12 cm. The more intense flower color compared to A. brevifolia is the main morphological differential character that justified its original description as a species.
ecoBranched, progressively woody stems forming hemispherical cushions up to 1–1.5 m in diameter. The growth habit is slightly more open than in A. brevifolia, with rosettes less densely packed.
ecoRobust fibrous roots adapted to poor rocky substrates. Similar to A. brevifolia but with greater capacity to penetrate soils with slightly more organic matter, reflecting its higher-altitude habitat.
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Requirements
Soil & Substrate
Type
Stony mineral substrate, low in organic matter, with very rapid drainage
groups Beneficial Associations
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Propagation Strategy
- 1 Identify lateral branches at the outer edge of the cushion with 2–4 active rosettes.
- 2 Cut with a disinfected pruning shear, leaving 2–3 cm of stem at the base.
- 3 Expose the cut to dry air in partial shade for 5–7 days to callus.
- 4 Plant in dry mineral mix (volcanic gravel + sand 2:1) in a small pot.
- 5 Water for the first time at 2–3 weeks; full rooting takes 4–8 weeks.
- 1 Collect seeds from fully open capsules at the end of austral summer.
- 2 Cold-stratify at 5 °C for 4 weeks before sowing to break dormancy.
- 3 Sow on moist perlite at 12–18 °C under bright indirect light.
- 4 Cover with perforated film and maintain constant slight moisture.
- 5 Transplant to mineral substrate when seedlings reach 1–2 cm.
Simulate its natural habitat conditions: cool dry summers with cold nights, and cold winters with minimal water.
Watering in winter: even a single heavy watering during cold periods can trigger lethal rot.
Every 4–6 years; tolerates root restriction and does not need frequent repotting.
Single very dilute application (1/8 of recommended dose) in spring with low-nitrogen mineral fertilizer. No feeding for the rest of the year.
Uses & Applications
Precautions / Toxicity
Non-toxic; leaf spines represent the only minor physical hazard when handling the plant
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Plant Health
Fungal basal rot: particularly dangerous in this high-altitude species when cultivated in warm, humid climates; the change in conditions favors Fusarium and Phytophthora. Ensure perfect drainage and airflow between rosettes.
Tetranychid mites (spider mites): in dry, warm environments can colonize the cushion interior. Treat with systemic acaricide or wash with moderate-pressure water and potassium soap.
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"Mez's original description of A. chlorantha as an independent species (1913) was based primarily on the more yellowish-green flower color; subsequent molecular analyses revealed that this variation falls within the phenotypic plasticity of D. brevifolia, which is why it is now considered a synonym."
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Scientific Integrity
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Sources
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Discussion
Disclaimer
This species record is provided for educational and informational purposes only. Jardín Roca Negra does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the data. Content is community-curated and may be subject to revision; it should not replace advice from a qualified botanist. This species may be toxic, invasive, or subject to legal restrictions — verify before handling or cultivating. Jardín Roca Negra accepts no liability for any harm arising from reliance on this information. Images are reproduced under Creative Commons or equivalent free licenses; credits are noted below each image.