leaves laxly spread over a stem 2–3 in; long, patent, linear- subulate, 4–5 in; long, 1/6 in; broad low down, deeply channelled at the base, densely coated with lax whitish lepidote scales. inflorescence: peduncle slender, 3–4 in; long; bract-¬leaves with long setaceous points; fertile part a dense simple spike 1½–2 in; long, ¼-⅓ in; diam; ; floral bracts oblong, ⅝-¾ in; long, reddish, lepidote. flowers: calyx rather shorter than the bract; petal-blade oblong, bright yellow, ½ in; long; capsule-valves linear, an inch long.Edited from : Baker 1889. (protologue) Handbook of the Bromeliaceae .