leaves lanceolate from an ovate base, l ½ –2 ft; long, 2–2 ½ in; broad at the middle, plain green, narrowed gradually to the point. inflorescence: peduncle about as long as the leaves; fertile part a lax panicle 1 ½ ft; long; many lower branches compound; spikes lax, sometimes 6–8 in; long. flowers all sessile, ascending; floral bracts ovate, green, 1/6 in; long; calyx 1/3 in; long; sepals oblong, obtuse; petal-blade small, white. fruits ovoid, rather longer than the calyx.Edited from : Baker 1889. (protologue) Handbook of the Bromeliaceae .