The Importance of Maintaining Bromeliad Imports

Exotic bromeliads are important to horticulture in Florida. Several hundred bromeliad species from eight common and over 40 obscure genera have been imported into Florida to fuel an industry of horticulture and scientific enquiry. Recent moves aimed at restricting the importation of exotic fauna and flora, including bromeliads, could be detrimental to an important industry. This information is presented to argue for the economic importance of bromeliads, their low incidence of pest infestation and lack of any threat to native species through intentional or unintentional release of imported species to the wild. Additional benefits are gained from the cultivation and ultimate preservation of endangered taxa.