Tillandsia xiphioides Large Form vipp 3-19 the inflorescence

the inflorescence

This plant came to be as a result of Harry Luther growing a batch of Sincoraea (previously Orthophytum) heleniceae seed sent to him from Brazil

Culture is easy in shaded locations

so it is not surprising that it would hybridize with other plants sharing the same habitat

The center flush at anthesis is deep reddish purple

Tillandsia xiphioides Large Form vipp 3-19 the inflorescenceThis is a large growing form of one of the most beautiful of all fragrant flowered Tillandsias. Reaching 8 or more with stiff, thickly succulent, dark grayish green leaves, in a loose, few leaved rosette. The inflorescence is a feather shaped spike bearing a series of really large ruffled, white, deeply fragrant flowers. The fragrance is similar to that of a gardenia. This rare form comes from Bolivia.