Tillandsia capitata
EN

Tillandsia capitata

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillandsia_capitata

Overview

A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.

Tillandsia capitata faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as coastal and lowland forests in the Caribbean are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species is particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage due to its epiphytic lifestyle and restricted range across small Caribbean islands. Collection pressure for the horticultural trade has further reduced wild populations, as this attractive bromeliad is highly sought after by collectors.

Threat summary

Habitat

This epiphytic bromeliad inhabits coastal forests, dry woodlands, and scrublands throughout the Caribbean islands, typically growing on tree branches and rocky outcrops from sea level to moderate elevations. The species shows preference for areas with good air circulation and filtered sunlight in both natural forests and disturbed habitats.

Other threatened species in Bromeliaceae

Puya clava-herculisVU

Puya clava-herculis

Unknown
Greigia sanctae-martaeCR

Greigia sanctae-martae

Unknown
CR

Pitcairnia similis

Unknown
EN

Greigia exserta

Unknown

Threatened in Belgium

VU

Lepiota echinella

Unknown
EN

Lyophyllum deliberatum

Unknown
Scarce BlackneckCR

Scarce Blackneck

Lygephila craccae

Unknown
Common Fire SalamanderVU

Common Fire Salamander

Salamandra salamandra

Declining

Frequently asked questions

Why is Tillandsia capitata classified as Endangered?
Tillandsia capitata is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Tillandsia capitata faces severe pressure from habitat destruction as coastal and lowland forests in the Caribbean are cleared for agriculture and urban development. The species is particularly vulnerable to hurricane damage due to its epiphytic lifestyle and restricted range across small Caribbean islands. Collection pressure for the horticultural trade has further reduced wild populations, as this attractive bromeliad is highly sought after by collectors.
Where does Tillandsia capitata live?
Tillandsia capitata occurs in Belgium, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Germany, and Guatemala (plus 5 other countries). Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Tillandsia capitata?
The main threats to Tillandsia capitata are ai-1, ai-2, ai-3, and ai-4. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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