Botanical Rarity in Full Bloom

The giant bromeliad Alcantarea imperialis at the university’s Botanical Garden is 15 years old – and is now flowering for the first and only time. In the days and weeks ahead, its spectacular flower spike will continue to grow, with numerous cream-colored, delicately scented blossoms gradually opening up.

Native to Brazil, the plant is pollinated by bats. Unlike most plants, it doesn’t grow in soil but directly on rocks. After around 10 years, its rosette of leaves can reach up to 1.5 meters in diameter. Water collects in the center of the plant, creating a habitat for numerous small animals. The nutrients produced in this microecosystem also benefit the plant itself.

Visitors can experience this unique natural spectacle up close in the Savanna House of UZH’s Botanical Garden. Like many bromeliads, Alcantarea imperialis flowers only once in its lifetime.