Family: Bromeliaceae
High Risk Traits:
- Tillandsia polystachia, commonly known as air plant, is a species of epiphytic bromeliad. Epiphytic plants are those that grow attached to other plants or objects without deriving nutrients from them. It is native to the forests of Central and South America. It typically grows on tree branches or rocks, using its roots primarily for anchorage rather than nutrient absorption. This species has been cultivated as an ornamental in the Hawaiian Islands, and spreads by wind-dispersed seeds. On the islands of Oahu and Hawaii, it is reported to form dense cover on branches and trunks of supporting trees in landscaping, possibly depriving them of light. Similar negative impacts could presumably occur if it became established on economically important trees or trees in native ecosystems.
- Broad elevation range in tropical environments
- Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands
- A landscaping weed, established on and negatively impacting landscaping trees
- A potential agricultural and environmental weed with the ability to establish on and deprive trees of light and possibly other nutrients
- Other Tillandsia species are invasive weeds
- Shade-tolerant
- Smothering habit, forming dense growth on branches and trunks that may impede photosynthesis
- Reproduces by wind-dispersed seeds
- Hybridizes with other species
- Self-fertile
- Seeds dispersed by wind and through intentional cultivation
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Herbicides used to control other invasive Tillandsia species may be effective
