Stemless plant. Leaves in a rosette, the inner ones erect, the outer bent downwards, the blades linear, serrated and spined, narrowing to a stout spine; sheaths elliptic, entire or with a few spines towards the tip. Inflorescences numerous, lateral, roundish, many-flowered; bracts dark, narrowed into a green spine, longer than the flowers. Sepals united, white. Petals 3-5 cm long, turning brown. Stamens generally about as long as the petals. Fruit pulpy, white.

Chile

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.