[andersonii85]

I know that it is an endangered species in Florida, but was wondering if it was possible to attain this plant legally within the US?

Thanks

Justin

 

[jhupp]

I belive it also occurs throught central and parts of south america. I would check with Tropiflora. If they don't grow it, they should know who does.

 

[andersonii85]

Thanks,

Yeah, their distribution is not limited to FL.

I will give them a shot.

Justin

 

[Guest]

Hi all,
that Catopsis has very wide distribution, it spreads from
Southern-USA, Mexico, Central-America, the Caribbean down to
Ecuador and Eastern-Brazil.
It grows as an epiphytie between 100 – 1300 m (is that 300 - 4000 feet ??)
and easy to cultivate. Blossoms are not that spectacular but it
does dozens of offshots and forms quite big clumps fast.
By the way, besides of Brocchinia reducta it is the only bromeliad
considered to be carnivorous !!!
So you better watch your frogs ;-)

Grettings, Timm

 

[andersonii85]

Timm,

Thanks for the details!

I can't speak for Brochinnia, but this particular species of Catopsis is known to be used by several species of Dendrobates- including D. tinctorius and D. ventrimaculatus. I know that they will use it for cover, but am unsure if they use it for breeding purposes i.e. tadpole deposition.

I am thinking about obtaining a few for a 55gallon project that I will eventually work on...eventually...lol.

Justin

 

[Guest]

As I mentioned, I am an absolute dummy when it comes to dendros,
but I can hardly imagine that this particular bromeliad species can be used
for them, because all the specimens I have seen so far are pretty tiny
and the leaves and tanks are hardly wider than my small finger.
Not a lot of space to take a bath in, if I would be a frog ;-)

But maybe there are bigger ones around........

Another hint (if I may):
The genus Catopsis causes a lot of disscussions because
they are very hard to identify, even for a professionell botanist.
It is one of the few bromeliad genera which is diecious.
That means you have pure male and pure female plants, and they can
vary in shape and size, like animals.
Lot of times people sell you nearly everything labeled C.berteroniana.
If it should be this one, make sure you have a reliable source.

CU, Timm