Chris is a research fellow at Melbourne University and member of the Bromeliad Society of Victoria. Colorful bromeliads are often referred to as ‘plants with a bang’ so what an ideal topic for the last meeting of 2023!
Chris introduced us to the intriguing world of bromeliads with colourful images of some of the 4000 species of these surprising plants, along with a table display of many different varieties. Originating in South America, these ancient plants have been tough survivors, adapting to habitats as varied as rainforest, high mountains and deserts. There is extraordinary diversity in their form and colour ranging from plants with tiny filaments to tall spreading plants with leaves that might be soft or hard, shiny or spine covered.
A well known bromeliad – the pineapple- when introduced into Europe became very highly valued by collectors and grown in heated glasshouses! These are low maintenance plants best grown from offsets in well drained soil in good light using a weak fertilizer only.
Joan thanked Chris and Jane for their interesting presentation and the lucky raffle winners of books on Bromeliads were Amelia and Heather.
