ABSTRACT
Most of the Bromeliaceae produce an apical inflorescence. Only a few species of Tillandsia and the genus Greigia produce axillary inflorescences. Inflorescences consists of a scape with scape bracts and fertile parts of the axis, which are simple or compound spikes or racemes without a terminal flower. Experiments with Aechmea, Bilbergia, Quesnelia, and Vriesea confirmed earlier experiences with Ananas: that acetylene, ethylene, and calcium carbide are inductive in those plants. Although it is known that young, small plants cannot be induced to flower, and it is stated that plants should attain a certain size or age, little information is available on juvenility. The quality and development of induced inflorescences are influenced by light intensity: number of florets per spike is increased and days to saleability are decreased by higher light intensities or supplementary light during winter.
