Puya chilensis
Encyclopedia
Puya chilensis, is a terrestrial bromeliad originating from the arid hillsides of Chile
. An evergreen perennial it forms large, dense rosettes of grey-green, strap like leaves edged with hooked spines. The green-yellow flowers are born on spikes up to 2 m high and which resemble a medieval mace. Spreading by offsets; over time Puya chilensis can colonise large areas. Growth is slow and plants may take twenty years or more to flower. Leaf spines point inward as well as outward and have been known to trap birds and small animals. Unable to escape the victim dies of starvation and its decaying body then provides additional nutrients to the Puya.
The spines, even on very young plants, are very sharp and can cause injury. Plants should be handled with great care. Thick protective clothing is recommended. Always plant away from path edges and areas where children are likely to play.
. Common on north facing slopes of matorral
areas at 300-1000 m above sea level.
. It is cultivated in many parts of the world.
In its natural arid environment plants can be highly flammable and are susceptible to damage from fires that are often the result of human action. Land clearance is an increasing threat.
Chile
Chile ,officially the Republic of Chile , is a country in South America occupying a long, narrow coastal strip between the Andes mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. It borders Peru to the north, Bolivia to the northeast, Argentina to the east, and the Drake Passage in the far...
. An evergreen perennial it forms large, dense rosettes of grey-green, strap like leaves edged with hooked spines. The green-yellow flowers are born on spikes up to 2 m high and which resemble a medieval mace. Spreading by offsets; over time Puya chilensis can colonise large areas. Growth is slow and plants may take twenty years or more to flower. Leaf spines point inward as well as outward and have been known to trap birds and small animals. Unable to escape the victim dies of starvation and its decaying body then provides additional nutrients to the Puya.
Cultivation
Puya chilensis is easily raised from seed and when young can make a fine house plant. If grown outside it is able to withstand light frosts and may even survive brief overnight temperatures as low as minus five degrees Celsius. In colder regions it will require some winter protection and is best either grown in a conservatory or in a pot and brought inside during winter. Puya chilensis requires a well drained, lime free soil. It is drought tolerant but will appreciate plenty of water during the summer months. It is susceptible to rotting during winter if too wet. It will tolerate some shade but is best grown in full sun.The spines, even on very young plants, are very sharp and can cause injury. Plants should be handled with great care. Thick protective clothing is recommended. Always plant away from path edges and areas where children are likely to play.
Natural Habitat
Arid hillsides of the AndesAndes
The Andes is the world's longest continental mountain range. It is a continual range of highlands along the western coast of South America. This range is about long, about to wide , and of an average height of about .Along its length, the Andes is split into several ranges, which are separated...
. Common on north facing slopes of matorral
Chilean Matorral
The Chilean Matorral is a terrestrial ecoregion of central Chile, located on the west coast of South America. It is in the Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub biome, part of the Neotropic ecozone....
areas at 300-1000 m above sea level.
Conservation
Puya chilensis is not considered threatened and can be found within Chilean MatorralChilean Matorral
The Chilean Matorral is a terrestrial ecoregion of central Chile, located on the west coast of South America. It is in the Mediterranean forests, woodlands, and scrub biome, part of the Neotropic ecozone....
. It is cultivated in many parts of the world.
In its natural arid environment plants can be highly flammable and are susceptible to damage from fires that are often the result of human action. Land clearance is an increasing threat.