Margaret Butcher
In July 1985 seed for Vriesea incurvata v. longiflora was on offer and Keith Bradtberg grew them to flowering size. These all had similar flowers so we did not doubt its species origin although the name seemed odd. The inflorescence started pendant and then curved upwards. The only main
difference between it and Vriesea 'Retroflexa' was the floral bracts having the top half green not wholely red.
The trouble started in 1998 when we had a plant from New South Wales called
Vriesea barilletii which flowered for us and which did not look like Vriesea barilletii but did match our Vriesea incurvata v. longiflora. Time had come for serious investigation. Peter Huddy here in Adelaide who is working on an easy identification system for Vrieseas was called in to assist. All named species and reported possible parentages were investigated but none matched our plant. Peter, with quirky humour, considered that 'Butcher's Backyard' didn't sound right and called the plant 'Bee Bee'.
We still cannot work out how this plant started off with such an unusual name as Vriesea incurvata v. longiflora and is also at large at least under one other name. Any information would be appreciated.