Portea petropolitana is a large, stemless ground dwelling bromeliad that produces rosettes of thick, strap-shaped, spined, yellow to green leaves of variable length.
It produces spectacular flower spikes with rosy bracts and inflorescences of narrow, blue to violet flowers around 35mm long that make a powerful display when in full bloom during the warmer months.
This is a plant for warmer climates though they do grow well in Sydney Botanic Gardens in a sheltered location.