Puya chilensis Molina

Taxonomic Naming and Growth Form

Puya chilensis Molina is an evergreen perennial plant that forms large, dense rosettes of grey-green, strap-like leaves.

Leaf Spine Characteristics

The edges of its leaves have hooked spines; outward-pointing spines grow along the outer two-thirds of the leaf blade, which may be an adaptation to stop herbivores from reaching the center of the plant.

Flower and Spike Traits

Its green or yellow flowers grow on spikes that resemble a medieval mace, and these spikes can reach up to 2 meters (6 feet 7 inches) tall.

Vegetative Spread

This species spreads through offsets, so it can gradually colonize large areas over time.

Growth Rate and Flowering Timing

It grows very slowly, and individual plants may take 20 years or longer to produce their first flowers.

Native Habitat and Elevation Range

In the wild, Puya chilensis is most commonly found growing on arid hillsides of the Andes, specifically on north-facing slopes of matorral areas at elevations between 300 and 1,000 meters (980 to 3,280 feet) above sea level.