Aechmea gamosepala

Matchstick Bromeliad. This smaller bromeliad forms rosettes slightly stiff green leaves 25cm long. Each clustered rosette forms a “tank” which holds water for dry weather. In late autumn and winter, colorful scapes of pink/purple with blue tipped flowers attached up the spike. Sort of psychedelic matchsticks stuck all over the stem. This bromeliad is one of the most cold hardy, living outside in a lightly sheltered spot in heavy frosts. Easy in a pot so you can bring it in when it is flowering. They could be massed planted under a suitable tree in milder areas for a tropical look. Great pot plant.