The Climbing Bromeliads of the Mountains of Rio de Janeiro

Despite all the heterogeneity of environments they witnessed, it is noticeable that some landscapes were particular focuses for the naturalists, such as the mountains of Rio de Janeiro. They arrived there and were dazzled by the local biodiversity.

These mountains, known as inselbergs (German term: insel = island; berg = mountain), are isolated rocky formations that stand out among the most famous beaches, like Copacabana and Ipanema, and contribute to the enchantment of the "marvelous city".

This plate shows examples of epiphytic bromeliads growing in the forest that surrounds Corcovado. Epiphytism is the name of this tenant relationship between two plants, in which one plant lives on the other.

It is worth noting that these plants are not parasites but use the trees to support themselves and grow, gradually climbing the trees. 

The highlight is a giant bromeliad growing on a rock along the stream.

In this illustration, the naturalists Spix and Martius rest in the surroundings of the Serra dos Órgãos, close to trees full of epiphytic bromeliads. Were they discussing how these bromeliads that grow by supporting themselves on trees survive?

There are strategies for adaptation to this environment, with no soil and little water. For example, aerial roots that absorb water and nutrients, the presence of plant tissues that accumulate water, absorbent hairs and scales on the leaves. These help the bromeliads climb successfully.