leaves lorate from an ovate base 3–4 in; long, 3 in; broad, flexible, subglabrous, l ½ ft; long, 1 ¼ –1 ½ in; broad at the middle, deltoid-cuspidate at the apex. inflorescence: peduncle much shorter than the leaves; bract-leaves imbricated, adpressed; fertile part a simple erect spike 8–9 in; long, with 20–25 flowers all erecto-patent, contiguous in its upper half, a little spaced out in its lower half; bracts bright red, ovate, the lower 1 ½ in; long, above an inch broad, the upper suborbicular, about an inch long and broad. flowers: calyx ½ in; longer than the bract; sepals acute; petals ½ in; longer than the calyx; blade oblong. stamens a little longer than the petals.Edited from : Baker 1888. (protologue) Synopsis of Tillandsieae (continued) .