From the Inside Flap As the 1987 classic, Tillandsia, succinctly states, “With the publication of Tillandsia there is now a book that brings together a representative cross-section of this fascinating genus of “air plants.” Tillandsia II is a continuation and an updating of that tradition—a continuation because much of Tillandsia II is carried over from Tillandsia; it is an updating because a number of nomenclature changes have occurred since then. In addition, some Tillys featured in the first book turned out to either be hard to maintain for the average grower or difficult to obtain. The biggest change between the first and this one, the one that is the most exciting, is the inclusion of a chapter of photographs devoted to the magnificent hybrids that have been developed ov erthe past 22 years since Tillandsia was published. Take a look and feast your eyes! Tillandsias have a number of salient features that make them exciting and attractive plants to grow, collect, and enjoy. One is just how interesting looking they are. Among the world's flora they vary in shape, color, and size more than those of any other genus. They are New World plants in the Bromeliad family and they are among the newest plants extant. Second, they can grow with no soil as true epiphytes. This is hard to comprehend; it is a wonder how this can be. Simply put, Tillandsias are able to absorb water and nutrients through their leaves. How special is that? Third, they are great fun because they are manageable in size, easy to care for and grow, and they tolerate temperatures form close to freezing to high heat (as long as they have access to water to remain hydrated). If they are kept in a brightly lit area and watered sufficiently, they will flourish. Tillandsias also have brilliantly colorful blooms that attract hummingbirds to feed on and pollinate them. Some even have wonderfully fragrant flowers. Finally, people that have grown Tillys into large clumps over the course of thirty years or more is not uncommon. Tillandsias truly are among the most unique and interesting of Nature's creations. Building Rainforest Flora, Inc. into one of the world's premier Tillandsia nurseries over the course of 35 years has been a 'process' for Isley and his partner, Jerry Robinson. There were many trips to Latin America in the early years, trips fraught with adventure, difficult decisions, eye-opening experiences, and no small amount of risk, even danger. Besides being the larges grower and distributor of Tillandsia, RFI is also the only nursery of any size that produces 100% of its inventory. Rainforest Flora, Inc. has been “import free since '93.” Tilly take between 6 to 25 years to mature from seeds so this had been a significant achievement. RFI has helped introduce many incomparable hybrids to the marketplace. Hybrids exhibit tremendous hybrid vigor, growing much larger with correspondingly larger blooms than either parent. Much has changed since the publication of Tillandsia in 1987 not the least of which has been the evolution and development of the internet, better and faster computers, digital cameras, and cell phones. It is hoped that these developments will greatly assist in disseminating knowledge of and interest in Tillandsia along with more availability. Isley's goal with Tillandsia II has been to produce a work that is worthy of interest, study and enjoyment, and that is publically available once again, as long since the book Tillandsia has become a highly prized collector's item. Read more About the Author Paul T. Isley III is a native Southern Californian who graduated from Loyola High School and UCLA. It was at UCLA that his friend, Mark Dimmitt, introduced him to Tillandsia, igniting his passion and his subsequent professional career in growing and distributing the plants starting in 1974. Paul and his wife, Betty, have three wonderful children, Paul IV (PJ), Kimberly, and Kacey. Paul served on the Board of Directors fo the Bromeliad Society International for seven years and chaired the 1984 World Bromeliad Conference in Los Angeles. He is a member of the Bromeliad Society International, the Los Angeles Adventurers Club, the Adventurers Club of Chicago, and the New York based Explorers Club. Read more
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