Urn pine is a member of the bromeliad family, native to Brazil. They do not exist
in the wild in North America.
Plants: This slow-growing plant grows
to a height of 1-3′ (30-91 cm). These plants can grow in the ground,
or as epiphytes, growing in moss-covered nooks and crannies in trees.
Leaves: Roughly oval, silver-and-green leaves are
1½-3′ (45-91 cm) high and
up to 2′ (60 cm) around, forming the water-retaining “urn.”
Flowers: Flowers are showy, 3-4″ (7.6-10 cm)
around, and pink, with blue-purple tips. Spiny bracts are also pink.