Aechmea Fasciata
Silver Vase Bromeliad Bromeliaceae

Aechmea Fasciata
Silver Vase Bromeliad Bromeliaceae

A year or so ago, two guests who have become friends, Chuck and Jane, gave Mary several strange Brazilian plants to nurture, in exchange for a collection of Blue Iris. The plants, Aechmea Fasciata, also know as Silver Vase Bromeliad Bromeliaceae, in many ways resemble cacti. They have broad, rather prickly leaves, comprising one single stalk around 2 inches in diameter. The leaves and stalk form a vase like structure in the middle of the plant.

We have kept the plants in the owners quarters, where they have added some greenery to the surroundings. But this weekend, something different happened. One of the plants "flowered". The flower is a beautiful pink/orange color intermixed with what look like little blue flowers. The bloom is very unusual, looking more like something out of the old movie "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" than a traditional flower found in Vermont in the summer. At the same time, because it is so unusual, it is also very eye catching and interesting to look at.

If you want to see a larger picture of the flower, double click on the image and the blog will direct you to the pure picture. Enjoy.