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Watson, Sean

Hechtia glomerata

Hechtia glomerata Zucc.

Guapilla

Bromeliaceae (Airplant Family)

Synonym(s):

USDA Symbol: hegl7

USDA Native Status: L48 (N)

Plant to 18 dm tall; leaves in a dense spreading rosette, linear-lanceolate, the margins with approximate spines, densely covered with whitish or pale-brown scales on the lower surface; scape erect or ascending, slender, supporting a laxly compound inflorescence. Found in gravel and on sandstone formations in Starr and Zapata counties.

Guapilla is a xeric terrestrial bromeliad in the same family as pineapple. The rosette is evergreen, and has an interesting, spiraling form that makes it a great sculptural accent plant. This plant is hardy to about 18 degrees Fahrenheit.

From the Image Gallery

4 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Cactus/Succulent
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Dioecious
Size Notes: 0-1
Flower:
Fruit: Brown
Size Class: 0-1 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug

Distribution

USA: TX
Native Habitat: Prairie, Plains, Meadows, Pastures, Savannahs

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Gravelly, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Saline tolerant

Benefit

Use Wildlife: Nectar-insects, Seeds-granivorous birds, Seeds-Small mammals, Cover
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX

Wildflower Center Seed Bank

LBJWC-1049 Collected 2007-06-14 in Starr County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

1 collection(s) available in the Wildflower Center Seed Bank

Bibliography

Bibref 291 - Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender

Search More Titles in Bibliography

Additional resources

USDA: Find Hechtia glomerata in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Hechtia glomerata in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Hechtia glomerata

Metadata

Record Modified: 2008-10-20
Research By: TWC Staff

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