I have no idea but it is absolutely gorgeous. :)

Sorry, I don't know either; the colour just doesn't look right to me, has it been manipulated?

Judging by the shape of the individual berries it is probably an Aechmea or Portea of some type but as for which one I can't help.

I too would like to know what it is so maybe next time you're at the Botanical garden you could ask an attendant to find out for us all.

All the best, Nev.

i did ask several attendants - they are clueless. they directed me 'to a really knowledgeable guy' on a truck, who proudly announced that it was a BROMELIAD :))))).

i took many different pics of it at all times of day. this is where it appears the lightest, dustiest blue, but still VERY blue. in dark shadows of a very bright FL day it appears to be a brighter blue.

they do hybridize their own broms - it's in fairchild tropical gardens, Miami FL - very reputable and well

known institution. i would not think that they would stoop down to making a blue brom like they make blue phal orchids.

i sieved thru a LOT of pics to try to find at least a similar shape of inflo and the only one so far is Aechmea caltelnavii - but it's green, but also has these pink sheaths.

the blue one has violet sheaths and stalk.Aechmea castelnavii inflo

i found it! it's Aechmea woronowii - i did a visual ID first,

and then found it on official list of plants too. it's a beauty! there is a pic on fcbs.org that does not do it justice at all!

here'a good pic from selby gardens flickr pic - not mine. but still VERY BLUE ;)