5 definitions found for Tillandsia

Tillandsia n 1: large genus of epiphytic or terrestrial sparse-rooting tropical plants usually forming dense clumps or pendant masses [syn: Tillandsia, genus Tillandsia]

tillandsia noun Etymology: New Latin, from Elias Tillands died 1693 Finnish botanist Date: 1759 any of a large genus (Tillandsia) of chiefly epiphytic plants of the pineapple family native to tropical and subtropical America

Tillandsia Til*land"si*a, n. [NL., after Prof. Tillands, of Abo, in Finland.] (Bot.) An immense genus of epiphytic bromeliaceous plants confined to tropical and subtropical America. They usually bear a rosette of narrow overlapping basal leaves, which often hold a considerable quantity of water. The spicate or paniculate flowers have free perianth segments, and are often subtended by colored bracts. Also, a plant of this genus.

Tillandsia Til*land"si*a, n. [NL. So named after Prof. Tillands, of Abo, in Finland.] (Bot.) A genus of epiphytic endogenous plants found in the Southern United States and in tropical America. Tillandsia usneoides, called long moss, black moss, Spanish moss, and Florida moss, has a very slender pendulous branching stem, and forms great hanging tufts on the branches of trees. It is often used for stuffing mattresses.

tillandsia n. (Bot.) Long moss, black moss.