Hi Gonzer, I'm not sure but I'll send the photo around to all the folks I know and see if any of them recognize that. Is it even a tillandsia? I havent seen a tillandsia with that sort of a teething on the edges of its leaves before.

Gonzer, while we await Ischan's search,I'm leaning toward something in the Puya genera,but perhaps a hybrid cross. The flower looks like Puya berteroniana in size and shape,but the purple/orange color is different than the usual turquoise/orange of P.bert.The scraggley shape and long stem before leaves begin reminds me of Puya laxa. That tall inflorescence is Dyckia/Hechtia like,so maybe a bi-generic hybrid ? Perhaps if we do not find the correct ID,we could name it a 'puyahkia' violet.(or maybe not!);-)
Bob C.

Sounds all right to me Bob! I don't know, "puyahkia" kinda sounds like an STD. What the hell, "puyahkia" it will be, maybe. Ischan, it's no Tillandsia. This is a plant that Pam had for sale at Birdrock Tropicals for at least 3 years with no takers. On their last day of operation I paid $1 for it (OK, I felt sorry for it!)and it has really grown. I figured that you, with your mesic connections, might help. Bob's reply makes a lot of sense.

Gonzer, I may have some info re:'mystery plant'.
I was looking at Charlies-Web,and went to Puya,and may have found two photos very similar to yours. On the Homepage,click 'Bromeliads A-P',then scroll to 'P',and then on down to the very last 'P' group,(6 photos),pics 3 & 4 are the ones to view. 3;P.werdermanii ,and 4;P.species(the one with the stone wall behind the plant) They seem to be your guy,even to the violet petals. Bob

Here is a link that might be useful: Charlie's Web

Thanks Bob, will try it.

Gonzer, did you check out the Charlies-Web page ? I'm curious to find out if thats your plant. bob

I did check Bob, sorry I forgot to post. The photos of "Puya species" seems to be right on. P. werdermanii is very close except for the fact that the leaves seem to lack the spines. Coincidently, that plant also came from Bird Rock. I will snap a few close-ups today and we'll take it from there. Thanks!

here are the close-ups.
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