I Speak For The Trees

Bromeliad, growing in the upper transitional forests above Mera, Pastaza Province.  This is a young plant, and what struck me most about it was the distinct red striping.  It appears to be the same species as the bromeliads that are eaten by wooley monkeys in the area.

Bromeliad, growing in Guarumal Grande, Pichincha Province.  These are another of the cloud forest’s overlooked denizens, which grow epiphytically anywhere that will support their weight.  Normally, this is the branches of the canopy trees, but I have also seen bromeliads growing out of nearly-vertical rock faces, and happily in the grass or understory leaf litter.  They are advantegeous plants and can have incredibly high population densities, even within the microhabitat of a single tree.  This specimen is preparing to bloom; the inflorescenses are the pendulous orange members visible in the photo.  These will open to reveal fairly unspectacular three-petalled tubular flowers.  Pollination is by hummingbirds and insects; propagation is by pups or seed.