Aechmea bracteata

Native from Mexico through Central America to northwestern Venezuela, this bromeliad grows as an epiphyte, especially in seasonally dry tropical habitats. A large rosette of arching leaves supports a branched inflorescence with long, vivid red bracts. The fruits develop along the branches and become dark blue at maturity. Established clumps can grow around the trunks and limbs of host trees. Water held between its leaves supports aquatic invertebrates, while a separate central cavity shelters ant colonies. Photographed in Colombia.