OBSERVATIONS. This species is found on the paramos between Sigsig and Chiguinda, the Paramos de Matanga. Most certainly a monocarpic species, as only single rosettes are found. It does not form groups. After flowering it emits great quantities of seed and dies. It has been confused with P. hamata because of its size, but, in fact, is much smaller, with the inflorescence attaining between 2-2.5 m in length (versus 3-4 m long). The general aspect of the inflorescence is brown because of its woolly covering, which protects it from the frigid winds and humidity of the paramo (versus gray wool). The vegetative plants can be differentiated by the spines on the leaf margins, which are antrorse for a distance of 8-9 cm (versus retrorse and unciform for 2-4 cm), with the upper part of the blade free of spines (versus margins serrate to the apex). —SeeManzanares 2005
