![Grow Organic [GROW ORGANIC] [Hardcover]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51qvzQDXWLL._SL75_.jpg)
Sounds Greek to Me
Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 7:13PM | Share Article Disticha.
Sounds Greek, right? That is because it IS Greek.
I learned today that not all scientific names are Latin or Latinized. Some are Greek, like this one. I wonder if there are other scientific names out there that were derived from other languages aside from Greek or Latin.
Although the Tillandsia disticha is Greek in name, I am so familiar with Tillandsias that this species is not Greek to me at all.
The Tillandsia disticha (pronounced DIS-ti-ka) gets its name from the Greek word "distichous" which means arranged in opposite rows. This is in reference to its floral bracts as seen above. This is not to be confused with another species known as Tillandsia didisticha.
It is one of the Tillandsia species with filiform or thread-like leaves. For another sample species with filiform leaves, check out my "Garden Thread" post. This reminds me of the story of tillandsia collector friend of mine, Angel, who was asked why she was collecting grass.
The plant is endemic to Colombia, Ecuador and Peru.
I care for this plant by providing it with 40% shade and generous watering. It is a relatively easy to grow species and also a fast-grower.
The leaves of my T. disticha were around 15 inches long before it bloomed. As you can see, the inflorescence and the floral bracts are not showy. However, the plant is attractive nonetheless.
I was blessed with three pups (one was hidden from the camera view) after it bloomed.
This plant is όμορφος.
Reader Comments (13)
Hi Bom! I saw this in one of the plant fairs here this year and it is a beautiful Tillandsia!
What an interesting plant. You are right a lot of plant names arent Latin but it is quite fascinating to try and work out their origins
@ Mark and Gaz : Cool! I take it most tillandsias fare well in your part of the world. Do you have to bring them indoors during winter?
@ Helen: I started being fascinated with etymology when I got into plants and decided to learn their scientific names.
I can just picture this plant in my border Bom, I dont think it would be so very happy though.
Scientific names sound a bit too 'difficult' for me to remember although they are quite interesting to know...
I could sit and paint this plant. Every part of it is interesting.
It seems fun to grow tillandsias but id'ing them is always a challenge. Same with the other plants. I really have a hard time id'ing them, hehehe. I bought one tillandsia some months ago with pink tiny blooms and it stopped blooming...
Apologies if this comment is a bit inappropriate!
I don't suppose that I could convince you to perhaps consider giving us a Shout Up!
As you know Readership is the life blood of any Garden Blog!
New aspiring Garden Bloggers need Readers especially!
Blooming Blogs: http://www.bloomingblogs.com
I think most of us just take for granted that plant names were all Latin, thanks for setting the record straight.
I always find Tillandsias exotic. They are great air plants and can thrive without soil, so is easy to take care of.
I learned two things: the name is Greek and that the Tillandsia blooms. I've not seen one in bloom ... seems crazy that I didn't know that but either way it's beautiful. Hope you're well Bom :)
Tillandsia are epiphytes and just need good hangers and quite suited for the home. Just need some frequent mistings in a dry home.
Merry Christmas, Bom! And have a Happy New Year as well.
Your blogging friend,
David/:0) Tropical Texana