leaves densely rosulate, thick, linear, rigid, 3–4 in; long, ¼ - ⅓ in; broad low down, tapering gradually to the point, densely adpresso-lepidote. inflorescence: peduncle as long as the leaves; panicle about 3 in; long, consisting of 10–12 dense distichous spikes 1–1½ in; long, ¼ - ⅓ in; diam; ; floral bracts oblong-lanceolate, ½ in; long. flowers: calyx as long as the bract. petal-¬blade small, oblong, purple.Edited from : Baker 1889. (protologue) Handbook of the Bromeliaceae .