Plant trailing with an elongated branching stem and forming large mats. Leaves many-ranked, 6-10 mm apart; sheaths nearly encircling the stem; blades narrowly triangular, 6-10 cm long, 5-10 cm wide, green, laxly serrate with 2 mm spines, tomentose beneath. Inflorescence stalkless, dense; primary bracts leaf-like, bright orange or red; terminal spike 8-15 flowered; floral bracts exceeding the sepals, small toothed; sepals white woolly; petals light green.

Eastern Brazil

In cultivation rarely trails but is grown to a height of about 20 cm before cuttings are taken and regrown. Apt to lose its roots in winter.

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.