Catopsis
Flora of the British West Indian Islands 599. 1864.
| Taxon | Illustrator ⠉ | |
|---|---|---|
 | Tillandsia utriculata Guzmania monostachia var. monostachia Catopsis berteroniana | Yevonn Wilson-Ramsey Yevonn Wilson-Ramsey Yevonn Wilson-Ramsey |
Herbs, epiphytic, without evident stems. Leaves many-ranked, rosulate; blade linear to triangular, base usually with chalklike bloom, margins entire, appressed-scaly. Inflorescence central, 5–many-flowered, always many-ranked, simple or compound, flowers laxly arranged; floral bracts small, inconspicuous, not obscuring rachis. Flowers bisexual in flora or functionally unisexual; sepals distinct, strongly asymmetric; petals distinct; stamens included, usually in 2 unequal sets, filaments free; ovary superior. Capsules ovoid to ellipsoid, dehiscent. Seeds with light tan to brown, apical, plumose appendage.
Distribution
Fla., West Indies, Mexico, Central America, South America
Discussion
Species 18 (3 in the flora).
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
Key
| 1 | Inflorescence 3–10-flowered, pendent; corolla bright yellow, nocturnal | Catopsis nutans |
| 1 | Inflorescence 15–50-flowered, erect to pendulous; corolla white, diurnal. | > 2 |
| 2 | Leaves yellow-green, covered with conspicuous, white, chalky powder; floral bracts 6–8 mm | Catopsis berteroniana |
| 2 | Leaves bright green, not covered with conspicuous, white, chalky powder; floral bracts 4–5 mm | Catopsis floribunda |