The Bromeliads (botanical family Bromeliaceae) consist of over 2,500 species, with some 52 genera. They are native to the tropical jungles of South America and the Caribbean, and include the 'pineapple' as one of the family.
Most bromeliads are epiphytic, i.e they grow out of trees, or from rocks, without the need for soil.
They are most popular in Central and South America, where they are widely grown on trees and rocks or as massed plantings. They are not as common in Thai gardens, although when employed they are always a colourful, interesting and popular addition to any landscape.