; 0 leafy stem 3 in; 1 long. leaves laxly disposed, linear, spreading, 2–3 in; 2 long, ¼-⅓ 3 in; 4 broad low down, densely laxly lepidote all over. inflorescence: peduncle 4–5 in; long; inflores¬cence a dense simple distichous spike 1½–2 in; long, ¼ in; broad; floral bracts oblong, ⅓ - ½ in; long. flowers: calyx as long as the flower ¬bract; petals reddish, obovate, ¼ in; long and broad. stamens not longer than the calyx.Edited from : Baker 1889. (protologue) Handbook of the Bromeliaceae .