Aechmea aquilega

Native to tropical America, this bromeliad grows on trees and rocks in wet tropical habitats. Its rosette of stiff, sharply edged leaves can reach about 2 to 3 feet tall and wide. The stout, branched flower stalk rises above the foliage, carrying clusters of yellow flowers surrounded by conspicuous pink to reddish bracts. It can also grow on the ground and tolerates habitats ranging from moist forest to dry scrub. Hummingbirds pollinate its flowers in northeastern Brazil. Photographed in Florida.