leaves densely tufted, subulate from a clasping base, 1–1½ in; long, densely lepidote. inflorescence: peduncle slender, 2–3 in; long. flowers 3–4 in a distichous spike; floral bracts oblong, lepidote, ⅓ in; long; sepals oblong, naked, as long as the bract; petal-blade lilac, cuneate, 1/8 in; long. fruits an inch long.Edited from : Baker 1889. (protologue) Handbook of the Bromeliaceae .