leaves linear, entire, moderately firm in texture, 12–15 in; long, ½ in; broad at the middle, naked on the face, slightly brown-furfuraceous on the back, especially towards the base. inflorescence: peduncle much shorter than leaves; bract-leaves lanceolate, similar to the proper leaves in texture; fertile part a dense compound globose capitulum 1–1 ½ in; diam; ; branch-bracts ovate, chartaceous, entire, the upper ½ in., the lower 1- ½ in; long, subtending each a few crowded flowers; final bracts ovate, scariose, ¼ - 1/3 in; long. flowers: calyx with ovary ¾ in; long. pistil: ovary small, oblong, naked; sepals lanceolate, acute; petals violet, half as long again as the sepals. stamens much shorter than the petals.Edited from : Baker 1889. (protologue) Handbook of the Bromeliaceae .