This is a bromeliad native to the rain forests of Brazil.
It has broad, smooth margined, strap-like mid-green leaves that grow in a rosette formation creating a central funnel or well.
As with most bromeliads the central well created by the leaf rosette forms a reservoir to collect and store water. Most of the water used by the plant is taken up via the leaves from water in the central leaf well.
During summer the plant produces an deep brownish red flower stalk with an loose raceme of pale green to yellow floral bracts and yellow tubular flowers. Like all Vriesea the flower head is flattened and lance shaped.
These grow well in areas with partial shade but will tolerate full sun. They tend to form clumps and can be used along borders, under trees and in pots in shady areas.