Synonyms:

The real species name is Deuterocohnia lorentziana. However, there is still some ambiguity in nureseries and the species can be found labelled in both ways.

Deuterocohnia lorentziana
Hepetis lorentziana
Pitcairnia lorentziana

Habitat:

Abromeitiella lorentziana is native to the Bolivian Andes, where it inhabits rocky, arid outcrops of different types of substrate.

Description:

Introducing the stunning Abromeitiella lorentziana, known, more precisely, as Deuterocohnia lorentziana, an exotic terrestrial bromeliad that will add a touch of elegance to any space. It’s often confused with the more common Deuterocohnia brevifolia, though the latter is less sun-tolerant and has smaller leaves, less silver-coloured. Forming dense mounds, this captivating plant typically grows to 1 to 2 feet (60 centimeters) tall, with rosettes of triangular, stiff leaves measuring 1 inch (3 centimeters) wide. It grows by slowly dividing of the rosettes. The leaves boast smooth margins and a sharp terminal spine, giving them a unique and striking appearance. With its silvery white hue, this plant is a true beauty that can withstand full sun thanks to the reflective white hairs, or trichomes, covering its leaf surfaces. And when late winter or early spring comes around, you’ll be delighted by the emergence of 3 centimeters long chartreuse yellow-green flowers, which add a touch of interest to an already rare, highly decorative plant.

Cultivation:

Deuterocohnia lorentziana, along with another similar succulent called Deuterocohnia brevifolia, were long considered to be in the genus Abromeitiella, but most recently, because of modern DNA analysis, have been included in Deuterocohnia, an allied genera that also comes from higher elevations of the Andes. This species is known from Bolivia and Argentina. The genus was named for the German botanist Ferdinand Julius Cohn with the preface Greek word ‘deuter’ (or ‘deutero’ meaning “second” (or second Cohnia) as the name Cohnia had already been used to describe an orchid. The original name Abometitiella was coined by Carl Christian Mez in 1927 to honor the German botanist Johannes Abromeit. Previously the plants had also been included in the genus Pitcairnia and this group of bromeliads in the sub-family Pitcairniodae are considered to be among the most primitive of the family. The specific epithet honors the German born Argentine botanist Paul Gunther Lorentz.

Propagation:

The main propagation tecniques are the division of the clumps, obtained by simply removing a rooted rosette from the mound and replanting it in another pot, or seeding. As germination time can be long and the plantlets may not survive the first months, we advise to choose division, as it’s easier, has a high success rate, and doesn’t damage the plant in any way.

Curiosity:

Deuterocohnia lorentziana and Deuterocohnia brevifolia were formerly classified under the genus Abromeitiella, until DNA analysis confirmed their inclusion in Deuterocohnia, a related genus that also originates from high altitudes in the Andes. This species can be found in Bolivia and Argentina. The name Deuterocohnia is derived from the Greek word “deutero,” meaning “second,” in reference to the botanist Ferdinand Julius Cohn, whose name was already used to describe an orchid. The name “Abometitiella” was originally proposed by Carl Christian Mez in 1927 as a tribute to the German botanist Johannes Abromeit. Previously, these plants were grouped under the genus Pitcairnia. These bromeliads are among the most primitive members of the Pitcairniodae subfamily. The specific epithet “lorentziana” honors Paul Gunther Lorentz, a German-born Argentine botanist.

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