Billbergia nutans - Queen's Tears - Bromeliads

This interesting bromeliad originates from South America and absorbs moisture from its leaves and flower head. The name Queen's tears is said to be from the dripping nectar of the flower.
The Sydley Living Museum website informs that the species is named for the Swedish lawyer and botanist Gustav Billberg (1772-1844), and from the Latin 'nutans' ' meaning nodding, a reference to the hanging growth habit of the flowers.