leaves ensiform, not distinctly petioled, above 2 ft; long, 1 ¼ in; broad at the middle, green on both surfaces, entirely destitute of marginal spines. inflorescence: peduncle stout, shorter than the leaves; bract-leaves small, scariose; fertile part a moderately dense simple raceme 6–9 in; long; bracts small, lanceolate, the lower ½ in; long. flowers: pedicel ascending, 1/8 – ¼ in; long; sepals ½ - 5/8 in; long; petals bright red, ca 1.5 in long, an inch longer than the calyx.Edited from : Baker 1889. (protologue) Handbook of the Bromeliaceae .