Plants of the Amazon
Bromeliads
Bromeliads are a family of monocot flowering plants that are native to the tropical Americas and the American sub-tropics. Pineapples are part of the Bromeliad family (pictured at the left). Bromeliads, such as pineapples, are best suited for the rainforest because terrestrial bromeliad species have complex root systems that gather water and nutrients that are essential to growth. The Amazon rainforest provides a wealth of moisture and vital nutrients that allow the bromeliad species to flourish in this area. They originated in the highlands of South America.
Interesting fact: There are more than 2,000 bromeliad species, but possibly the most commonly known bromeliad is the pineapple eaten by humans. Bromeliads come in a variety of colors, including purple, blue, orange and red.