Leaves 8-50 cm long with grey scales; sheaths densely overlapping along the stem, 1-2 cm long; blades spreading or recurved, linear-triangular, usually recurved at tip. Scape erect with many overlapping leaf-like bracts, densely scaled. Inflorescence bipinnate (rarely simple); spikes 2-12, linear to elliptic, archedspreading, flattened 3-12 flowered; floral bracts lanceolate, slightly shorter than the sepals, scaled or hairless; sepals hairless; petals 25 mm long, blades spreading, very broadly obovate, blue or purple; stamens included.

Peru to Paraguay and 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.