Epiphytes

Epiphytes abound in our garden, they do well on old trunks and dead roots and are attractive little curiosities which occasionally throw out a phallic flower with a bright red tip and yellow shaft.

This one is a epiphytic bromeliad, which means little to me, but no doubt helps to ensure survival of the species as when one air plant meets another, they can soon establish if they are both bromeliads under the skin.

I am led to believe they have no medicinal properties though no doubt one of my botanical genius friends on here will prove me wrong.

There are reports of ladies in Tuscany adding them to their bath waters, though what purpose they may serve must remain a matter for your imagination and ingenuity. Perhaps they mistake them for baby aloa vera.