Puya pearcei

Native to Bolivia, this perennial bromeliad has long leaves that curve backward and bear forward-pointing spines along their margins. A slender flowering stalk carries a large, loosely branched inflorescence covered with fine white scales. The branches ascend from spreading bases and bear outward-facing flowers on short stalks. Small, rounded floral bracts sit below much longer, narrow sepals, which have a covering of pressed hairs. Photographed in Florida.