Tillandsia reversa
Overview
A detailed profile for this species is sourced from the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as assessments become available.
Tillandsia reversa faces severe population decline primarily due to habitat destruction from agricultural expansion and urban development across its limited range in Central America. The species is particularly vulnerable to collection pressure for the ornamental plant trade, as its distinctive reversed leaf arrangement makes it highly sought after by bromeliad enthusiasts. Climate change poses an additional threat through altered precipitation patterns that affect the epiphytic moisture requirements essential for this air plant's survival.
Habitat
Tillandsia reversa is an epiphytic bromeliad that inhabits cloud forests and humid montane environments, typically growing on tree branches and trunks at elevations between 1,200-2,400 meters. The species requires consistent moisture from fog and frequent precipitation, making it highly dependent on intact forest canopy cover.
