Aechmea

Aechmea recurvata ssp recurvata

I have been growing this prickly little tuft of dull greenness since 1986. It is thinner leaved, harder and spikier than the form from Paraguay. It is also much tougher, though it needs to be totally dry in winter. In mid summer the mature rosettes fatten into rounded spiky globes that blush red and then flower inconspicuously. So dull it is fabulous, but if you become over affectionate with it, it will spike you without mercy!