New Bromeliad Species, Wittmackia aurantiolilacina, Discovered in Brazil's Atlantic Forest

Researchers affiliated with the Rio de Janeiro Botanical Garden (JBRJ) have officially documented a novel and exceptionally rare bromeliad species, which they have named Wittmackia aurantiolilacina. This newly identified taxon is distinguished by its striking inflorescence, which exhibits a unique blend of orange and lilac hues. The formal scientific description detailing this discovery was published on November 19, 2025, in the peer-reviewed international journal, Phytotaxa.

This species is endemic to the Atlantic Forest biome, a region known for its high biodiversity. The initial specimen was collected in August 2023 within the boundaries of the Alto Cariri National Park, situated in the state of Bahia, close to the border with Minas Gerais. Because the first sample lacked flowers, it was introduced into cultivation both at the JBRJ Bromeliad Collection and at the Gravatas refuge in Teresópolis. It wasn't until July 2024, after the plant flowered in cultivation, that its distinct morphological features became apparent. These features included an orange tint on the peduncle, ovary, and sepals, contrasted sharply by the lilac color of the petals, which directly inspired the species epithet, aurantiolilacina.

Bruno Rezende, a researcher and curator of the bromeliad scientific collection at JBRJ, and one of the study's authors, noted that he immediately suspected the plant represented a new species. Having studied bromeliads for three decades, he found its characteristics did not match any previously documented species. Given its extremely restricted habitat and the severe threats posed by human activities—such as widespread deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and increasing fire frequency—Wittmackia aurantiolilacina has been classified as Critically Endangered (CR).

The Alto Cariri National Park, where this new species was found, spans approximately 19,238 hectares. It forms a vital component of the Central Atlantic Forest Ecological Corridor, an initiative established in 2002. The park is managed by the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) and is renowned for its rich flora, which includes numerous bromeliads, orchids, and cacti. In response to the species' vulnerability, JBRJ has prioritized efforts toward clonal propagation to safeguard its genetic material.

Challenges have also arisen in the managed cultivation environment. Capuchin monkeys have shown a notable interest in consuming the central cores of the bromeliads. This behavior necessitates that staff implement pest control measures, even within the confines of the protected arboretum. Furthermore, ongoing studies of other Wittmackia species, which are also endemic to the Atlantic Forest, suggest that many face significant risks due to habitat fragmentation. This underscores the urgent need for carefully targeted and robust conservation strategies across the region.