This keeps the water and nutrients inside and prevents the plant from drowning by keeping excess water out. Younger Tillandsias may store water in hypocotyls and also have increase trichome density. Function as a reflective surface to keep solar radiation from injuring the epiphyte. Due to their specialized leaf function, acceptable climates are limited. The environment cannot be too humid or too shady.
Some vegetative reduction exists to increase reproductive capacity.
Due to the specialized structure of the plant vegetative reduction can occur without a loss of nutrients or functions. Branches are determinate. Usually pollinated by wind or bird. Useful and useless trivia Legends of Spanish Moss - Link Spanish Moss was once used to stuff furniture like mattresses and car seats. There was a time when it was used as a tea for a variety of aliments from rheumatism to abscesses or childbirth.