Tillandsia
Tillandsia is a genus of around 730 species of evergreen, perennial flowering plants in the family Bromeliaceae, native to the forests, mountains and deserts of Central and South America, the southern United States and the West Indies.Airplant is a common name for plants in this genus. Most Tillandsia species are epiphytes – i.e. they normally grow without soil while attached to other plants. Some are aerophytes or air plants, which have no roots and grow on shifting desert soil. Generally, the thinner-leafed varieties grow in rainy areas and the thick-leafed varieties in areas more subject to drought. Moisture and nutrients are gathered from the air (dust, decaying leaves and insect matter) through structures on the leaves called trichomes.
Description
Tillandsia are epiphytes and need no soil because water and nutrients are absorbed through the leaves. The roots are mainly used as anchors. Propagation is by seeds or by offsets called "pups". A single plant could yield up to a dozen pups. Offsets can be separated when about 2/3 the size of their mother to encourage a new colony.
Podcasts:
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by Basia
Two Islands
by: Basiawhen you're feeling lost and lonely
and when people treat you coldly
close your eyes - you're right there
when you think there's nothing up there
when a doubt becomes a nightmare
close your eyes - you're right there
you can escape this place
you can forget this place
anywhere's better, kinder, brighter
two islands
two islands
they'll take you to their hearts
my islands
nowhere so peaceful
nowhere as blissful
i will always remember my two islands with love
they will never grow old
when your week is made of mondays
when your road is going sideways
close your eyes - you're right there
when you swim against the current
and your arms are getting tired
close your eyes - you're right there
you can escape this place
you can forget this place
anywhere's better, kinder, brighter
two islands, two islands
they wait for me
i know my islands
nowhere so peaceful
nowhere as blissful
i will always remember my two islands with love
they will never grow old
they came to us for a reason
leaving memories we can lean on
close your eyes - you're right there
one day if i go to heaven
we will be again together
far away from here