; 0 caulescent, terrestrial and saxicolous in dense colonies. leaves densely imbricate along the stem; sheath distinct; blade attenuate, not contracted at base, deciduous. inflorescence: peduncle lacking; fertile part capitate. flowers perfect, sessile or subsessile; sepals free, imbricate with the abaxial wholly included by the 2 adaxial; petals free, naked. stamens included, the 2 series unequal. pistil: ovary wholly inferior, crowned with a large epigynous tube; ovules caudate. fruits indehiscent on the outside, dividing into 3 equal valves inside; monotypic.Edited from : Smith & Downs 1974. Pitcairnioideae (Bromeliaceae) in Flora Neotropica.