Aechmea mollis 'Red Form'

This is a collector item, no one would buy it for its beauty. An unusual Aechmea from Bahia, Brazil with an open rosette shape and a nidular inflorescence that resembles, in some ways, a Neoregelia. The leaves are fairly narrow, dull coppery-green blushing red with good light; it has moderate spines, and forms a rosette about 18 inches across. The inflorescence is a tight cluster of cottony branches with yellow flowers. A rare plant in collections.