Plants of the bromeliad family (Bromeliaceae). These plants grow from the dry deserts of the subtropics to equatorial tropical rain forests. Many bromeliads grow high up on the branches and trunks of trees in the tropical rainforest. Based on growth habits and other characteristics, Bromeliaceae is divided into the subfamilies Pitcairnioideae, Tillandsioideae, and Bromelioideae.