Tillandsia complanata
Family: Bromeliaceae
What it is like
A pineapple herb. The leaves are in a dense ring. They are 20-40 cm long and 2-5 cm wide.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows between 800-2,100 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Greater Antilles, South America, Trinidad, Venezuela
How it is used for food
The dry leaf bases are used to wrap tamales.
Edible parts
Leaf bases
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Huicundo, Lechuga, Waykuntu
Synonyms
Platystachys complanata E. Morren; Tillandsia axillaris Griseb.; Tillandisa complanata subsp. latifolia Gilmartin;