Plant flowering to over 1 m tall with dense rosette, spreading by stolons. Leaves numerous, linear, pointed, to 2.5 cm wide, hairless above, scaly below. Inflorescence branched, mealy white, branches with up to 10 flowers. Flowers about 4.5 cm long. Petals linear, about 2.5 cm long, deep violet with broad white margins. Fruit to 5 cm long, 2 cm wide, fleshy, edible.

Central and South America

Some forms with striped leaves.

Source: Christensen, T.; Butcher, D. (2005). Bromeliaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 5. Flowering plants. Monocotyledons. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.