Hohenbergia catingae

Native to northeastern Brazil, this perennial bromeliad occurs in the caatinga, a landscape of rocky grassland, thorn scrub, and stony outcrops. Stiff narrow leaves form an upright, bottle-like rosette. A tall, repeatedly branching flowering stalk carries clusters of short, compact branches. Pink axes contrast with green flower clusters that may be coated in cottony scales. The species is variable in its coloring and has a slow-growing, durable habit. Plants are adapted to bright conditions in their seasonally dry native environment. Photographed in Florida.