Orthophytum vagans
Orthophytum vagans M.B.Foster
Orthophytum vagans, a member of the Bromeliaceae family, was described in 1960 by M.B. Foster based on cultivated material found in a garden in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It has not been recorded in the wild and is currently classified as Data Deficient (DD) by IUCN. The species is characterized by its elongated stem and simple inflorescence, distinguishing it from similar species such as O. zanonii, which has a compound inflorescence. The name 'vagans' refers to the plant's wandering appearance due to its elongated stems forming a clump.
Description
Orthophytum vagans is a bromeliad species with sessile inflorescences, described from cultivated material in Brazil. It resembles O. zanonii in having an elongated stem and obtuse-cucullate petals, but is distinguished by its simple inflorescence. The species was initially mistaken for Cryptanthus glazioui due to its elongated stems, but was later recognized as a new species of Orthophytum. The type material is the only known herbarium collection, and the plant was introduced to the United States by R. G. Wilson. Foster (1960) noted the elongated stems as a key feature, which inspired the species name 'vagans', meaning 'wandering'.
Distribution
BR · Brazil Southeast