Tillandsia caput-medusae

Native from Mexico through Central America, Tillandsia caput-medusae is an epiphytic bromeliad of seasonally dry tropical forest. A swollen bulb-like base supports twisting silvery leaves covered with moisture-absorbing scales. The flowering stem carries overlapping red bracts from which narrow purple tubular flowers emerge. The curved foliage gives mature plants a distinctive spreading form. Photographed in Florida.