leaves very numerous, very rigid, linear-subulate from an ovate base 1 in; diam., a foot long, ⅓ in; broad low down, densely adpresso-lepidote. inflorescence: peduncle as long as the leaves; bract-leaves long-pointed; panicle of 8–12 crowded dense distichous spikes 1–1½ in; long, ¼ in; diam; floral bracts oblong, acute, reddish, ½ in; long. flowers: calyx shorter than the bract; petal-blade small, oblong.Edited from : Baker 1889. (protologue) Handbook of the Bromeliaceae .