Family: Bromeliaceae

These bromeliads from tropical South America have succulent, prominently toothed, barbed leaves and form the typical rosettes from which emerge tall, lateral stems of orange or yellow flowers. They are found in a variety of habitats, from the coast to quite high altitudes in the mountains.

Species

D. brevifolia, from Brazil, has a dark green rosette of thorny, tapering leaves, up to 25 cm (10 in) long, with stripes on the under-side, and a profusion of yellow flowers.

D. fos­teriana is a very attractive species. The long, heavily armed, silvery, recurved leaves are tinged with red and the flowers are orange.

D. remotiflora forms a dense rosette of arching, dark green leaves, with a slender stem of deep orange flowers appearing in late spring.

Cultivation

Very easy to grow, dyckias can be planted in the open garden in partial shade. If well drained, they will colonize in poor, rocky soils. They can tolerate light frost. Propagate from offsets or seed. They look best planted with other succulents. In areas prone to hard frosts, grow in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory, in soilless potting compost. Provide maximum light. Keep compost almost dry in winter.

Climate

Zone 9. Tolerates light frost.