leaves rigid, ensiform, 3 ft long, 1½ –2 in; broad at the dilated base, an inch at the base of the blade; marginal spines very large. inflorescence an ample panicle with spicate branches, the lower ½ ft; long, dense upwards; - upper flowers 2–3-nate; floral bracts small, ovate. flowers: sepals oblong, obtuse, 1/8 in; long; petals lingulate, twice as long as the sepals. pistil: style 1/4 in; long.Edited from : Baker 1889. (protologue) Handbook of the Bromeliaceae .