This exotic species is in full flower in the arid Glasshouse Bay.
Puya chilensis is one of approximately 170 species from South America, and as a member of the Bromeliaceae, is related to the pineapple. It has spreading basal rosettes of lance-shaped, spined, leathery leaves to 1 m in length. Here it is showing lime-green, trumpet-shaped flowers, though these can be green-turquoise in colour. The flowers are held on an erect panicle, which can grow to 5m in height. In its native Chile birds feed on nectar which sits in a well in the base of the flower. Occurring on arid hillsides to 1000m altitude, this species requires a well-drained, sheltered position in the garden. Once flowering has occurred the basal rosette from which it flowers will die back, though non-flowering rosettes will persist.