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.
The flowers mature to attractive but inedible fruits.
After producing seed the rosette of leaves dies back but offsets appear at the base of the plant to keep it going.
This is a plant for warmer climates though they do grow well in Sydney Botanic Gardens in a sheltered location.