Named after a Dr Marius Porte of Paris fl. 1845–d. 1886 who introduced this genus to growers in 1885.

Plants robust, generally terrestrial. Leaves 60-90 cm long, green and prominently spined, over 1 m tall in flower. Inflorescence compound. Flowers stalked, violet or blue; sepals strongly asymmetric, long and with a short point; petals free; stamens included. Fruit a berry.

Large ornamentals for growing in the ground in shadehouses or glasshouses.

Offsets or seed.

Spiny leaves in rosettes; bracted, stalked inflorescence; flowers stalked, violet or blue; sepals united, pointed; petals free.

About 10 species from eastern Brazil.

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.