AMERICA 
Bromeliads (Thecophyllum and Guzmannias) grow in 
profusion on the trunks of Mountain Palms in the 
Sierra Luquillo in Puerto Rico. 
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Barrel Cactus, Echinocactus and others, planted in 
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the center island of the magnificent Paseo de la 
Reforma in Mexico City. 
Bromeliads do not always grow on trees. The high 
cliffs in the neighborhood of the ancient Inca for- 
tress of Machu Picchu in the Eastern Cordilleras of 
Peru, are virtually covered with Bromeliads, cling- 
ing to the rocks like colorful tropical birds. 
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A Candelabra Cactus, Trichocereus peruvianus 
overlooking the Andean Valley of the Rio Apuri- 
mac; in the distance glisten the glaciers of the 
19,000 foot peaks of the Cordillera Vilcabamba, 
near Cuzco in southern Peru. Rainfall on the Alti- 
plano at 11,000 feet is so rare that at times even 
these cacti, whose requirements are so modest, 
shrivel away because of lack of water. The South 
American Column Cactus needs more water than 
those from the Mexican desert. 
