PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.DraftCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Aechmea magdalenae
Pita
(André) André ex Baker, 1889
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A massive, terrestrial, colony-forming evergreen bromeliad. It features an impressive rosette of long, arching, strap-like, grayish-green leaves that can reach several meters in length, armed along the margins with sharp, curved spines. The stout, central inflorescence is a dense, capitate spike composed of bright red bracts enclosing small, inconspicuous yellow flowers, which mature into edible, yellow, cone-like syncarps.
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Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Liliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Poales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Bromeliaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Aechmea
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(André) André ex Baker, 1889
Record Completeness
66%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Primary Producer
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Dry Season
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Native to the dense understory and damp, shaded floors of tropical lowland rainforests, gallery forests, and swamp margins from southern Mexico through Central America to Colombia and Ecuador. It thrives in humid environments with rich, alluvial soils and partial to deep shade.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Forms massive, impenetrable clonal stands or 'pitales' on the forest floor due to its aggressive stoloniferous growth. These dense thickets dominate the understory, altering the microclimate and significantly influencing forest regeneration by blocking out light and physically excluding other plant species.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
150.0 - 400.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses incredibly strong, durable, and elongated cellulosic vascular bundle fibers within its leaves. These internal fiber networks give the massive leaves mechanical tensile strength to resist tearing under heavy forest canopy debris and provide structural integrity.
Equipped with specialized foliar trichomes (microscopic scales) at the leaf bases that absorb water and dissolved nutrients directly from atmospheric humidity and localized runoff, bypassing reliance on deeply anchored roots.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Though widespread, natural populations suffer heavily from extensive deforestation and the conversion of lowland rainforests into agricultural pastures. Over-harvesting of wild plants for fiber extraction by local communities also locally depletes native stands.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The fiber extracted from the leaves of Aechmea magdalenae, known as 'pita' or 'ixtle', is renowned as one of the strongest natural plant fibers in the world and is traditionally used to embroider fine leather items in the 'piteado' artisan technique.