#bromeliad

Dyckia beateae

Like other bromeliads in the genus Dyckia, this one has sword-like leaves armed with sharp marginal teeth. All the species have yellow or orange flowers, and this is one of the latter. As can be seen here, its flowers have pinched mouths with only a narrow opening, and the sepals, bracts and stems have a fuzzy coating of scales. This is a rare species from central Brasil, in the state of Mato Grosso.

Dyckia choristaminea

This is another yellow-flowered Dyckia species from southern Brasil, but it has very different-looking leaves, which are very narrow and dark. It is one of the smaller species in the genus, with its flower stalks reaching a height of only a foot or so (30 cm). The contrast between the light yellow of the 3-cornered flowers and the dark leaves is quite striking.

Dyckia brevifolia

Dyckia is a genus of bromeliads native to the southeastern part of South America. They are terrestrial, growing in the ground rather than in trees as many bromeliads do. All species in the genus have flowers in the yellow-to-orange range, and this one is decidedly yellow, with the flowers looking like outward-facing funnels. As can be seen in the upper photo, the plant adds heads over time to make a large clump. Native to southern Brasil.

Puya coerulea var. coerulea

This is another Puya from Chile, with very silver leaves and inky-blue flowers. As can be seen in the lower photo, the flowers change color to purple as they go by. This plant can grow into a very large clump over time, so it needs plenty of space in the garden. Like other puyas, it has leaves edged with small but sharp teeth, so it should be approached with care!