| Brocchinia micrantha | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Bromeliaceae |
| Genus: | Brocchinia |
| Species: | B. micrantha |
| Binomial name | |
| Brocchinia micrantha | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
Brocchinia micrantha is aSouth Americanspecies ofplant, in thegenusBrocchinia, of thebromeliad family (Bromeliaceae). This species isnative toVenezuela andGuyana.[1][2]In Venezuela, these plants may be found withinCanaima National Park, near toSalto Ángel (Angel Falls), the world’s tallest free-falling waterfall. In Guyana, this plant is commonly found atKaieteur National Park.
AsBrocchinia are a member of the bromeliad family, the funnel-like structure of their leaves will fill with rainwater periodically, thus serving as a shelter and habitat for a variety ofvertebrates,invertebrates andmicroorganisms, with one single plant maintaining its own unique “community” in-miniature. The plants are popular homes for tinyfrogs, with their leaf folds of pooling water often serving as nurseries fortadpoles, including from several species ofpoison dart frog, and notably thegolden rocket frog (Anomaloglossus beebei).
