Vriesea is a genus of plants belonging to the botanical family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Tillandsioideae. The genus is named after Willem Hendrik de Vriese, a Dutch botanist and physician (1806-1862). Its species are widespread in Mexico, Central America, South America and the West Indies. Containing some of the largest species of bromeliads, these tropical plants contain a wide variety of plants, unlike the smaller Catopsis species. This genus is closely related to Guzmania. The genus Vriesea includes many small and medium-sized varieties but also includes some of the largest growing bromeliads. Vrieseas are very common for their spectacular and long-lasting flowers.