leaves lanceolate, densely rosulate, 6–8 in; long, under an inch broad at the middle, thin, flexible, subglabrous, pale green, copiously spotted, especially in the lower half, with blotches of claret-brown. inflorescence: peduncle as long as the leaves; upper bracts small, crowded, ovate, erect, spotted like the leaves. inflorescence a panicle 2–3 in; long ; branch¬bracts lanceolate, bright red, the lowest 1½–2 in; long; spikes dense, simple, sessile, the lowest 1½ in; long; floral bracts oblong-¬lanceolate, ⅝-¾ in; long. flowers: calyx shorter than the bract.Edited from : Baker 1889. (protologue) Handbook of the Bromeliaceae .