Pineapple relatives. These bromeliads are related to the pineapple except that they grow as epiphytes on the branches of trees. A small reservoir of water is held in the centre of the leaves that help tide the plants through in periods of low rain. The plants also have special pores on the leaves that absorb water vapour straight from the air. They also 'breathe' only at night and thereby reduce water loss. They are only found in Tropical America.