Natural hybrid of:  Tillandsia balbisiana (northern needleleaf) and Tillandsia fasciculata (cardinal airplant)

Scientific name: Tillandsia x smalliana H. Luther

Former name: Tillandsia x smalliana has been misdetermined as Tillandsia polystachia (L.), a Caribbean species not found in Florida

Other Common Name: Crow's nest

Status in Florida: Thought to be precinctive (found nowhere else)

Threats to this plant: Parent species are threatened by Mexican bromeliad weevil (Metamasius callizona), habitat destruction, and illegal collection

Distribution: Florida

Distribution in Florida: Broward, Collier, Hendry, Indian River, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe (mainland), and Palm Beach Counties

Occurrence in Florida: Occasional

Habitat: Cypress swamps and well-lit hammocks; often on Taxodium

Description: Epiphytic; grows singly or in clusters, to 55 cm (22 in.) when flowering; 20-40 grayish leaves in large rosettes, spreading and narrowing abruptly at end; sheath rust-colored and forming small pseudobulb, 3-4 cm (to 1 ½ in.) wide; flower spike straight, usually 15-35 cm (6-14 in.) tall; bracts erect to spreading, like leaves but smaller; floral bracts red, 2-2.5 cm (1 in.); 5-40 flowers; petals violet; seeds in capsules 3-4 cm (to 1 ½ in.) long

Time of flowering: Winter - summer

References:
Flora of North America Association. 2000. Flora of North America, Vol. 22. http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/FNA

Long, Robert W. and Olga Lakela. 1976. A Flora of Tropical Florida. Banyan Books, Miami.

Wunderlin, Richard P. 1982. Guide to the Vascular Plants of Central Florida. University Presses of Florida, Tampa.

Wunderlin, Richard P. and Bruce F. Hansen. 2000. Atlas of Florida Vascular Plants. Institute for Systematic Botany, University of South Florida, Tampa. http://www.plantatlas.usf.edu