Name: Tillandsia aurea Mez
Synonyms: Tillandsia aurea var. minor Rauh. 
Etymology: aurea = golden yellow — refers to the bright yellow color of the flowers, which is very rare in this genus.
First described: 1906 by the German botanist Carl Christian Mez.
Origin / Distribution: Endemic to Peru (especially the Ancash region).
Location / Habitat: Grows epiphytically on trees or lithophytically on rocks in dry to moderately moist mountain forests and river valleys at altitudes of approx. 500 to 1000 m. It prefers locations with good humidity combined with high light intensity.
Description & Notes: Tillandsia aurea is a small to medium-sized species with a loose, often slightly one-sided (secund) leaf rosette. The leaves are narrow-triangular and densely covered with gray trichomes, giving it a silvery appearance.
The outstanding feature is the simple, mostly upright inflorescence with bright golden yellow flowers, which also emit a pleasant fragrance. It is considered easy to care for: It needs a bright, airy location and should be sprayed regularly or briefly submerged. Important is – as with almost all Tillandsias – a quick drying of the leaves within a few hours.