Margaret Butcher
Seed was named Neoregelia tristis on a list in 1980. While we had Neoregelia tristis in Australia it was a rather drab looking plant and we felt there had to be better clones around. We now know that these better clones weren't really Neoregelia tristis anyway!We were fairly new to the bromeliad game in 1980 and just wanted new plants. The seedlings were a mixed batch and somewhat drab and all were destroyed except one which promised variegation. Variegation in Neoregelia was a rare occurrence in those days so this plant was nurtured! We even gave it the name 'Bonjour Tristesse' because it promised more than its alleged mother.
Contrary to so many variegated Neoregelia hybrids of today this plant was oh so stable. It still threatens to give a bright contrasty variegation after 15 years but its cheery red centre on flowering makes you feel less "tristesse".