Bromeliaceae is indigenous to the West in such areas as South and Central America and the Southeastern United States. Some believe that this pinpoints the family s development in history at the time South America began to split from Africa. Second family in number of epiphytes. Alternate parallel-veined leaves that are lanceolate, acuminate to lorate forming a rosette. Many times basally trough-like.
Flowers are perfect and usually radially symmetrical.
Perianth in 2 whorls of three. Calyx displays some petaloid qualities. Corolla is obvious by bright coloration. Six stamens, either fused to themselves or the petals. Placentation axile and multiovular.