Puya chilensis (Sheep-eating Plant, Chilean Puya)

Botanical Information

FamilyBromeliaceae
GenusPuya
Specieschilensis
SynonymsPitcairnia chilensis, Pitcairnia coarctata, Pourretia coarctata, Puya coarctata, Puya gigantea, Puya quillotana, Puya suberosa
CategoryPerennials
OriginNative to the arid hillsides of Chile.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		Very young shoots are eaten in salads.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9a - 10b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH5 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(?6.7) - (+10)
Temperature (°F)20 - 50
Height2 m
Spread2 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJuly

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionAn evergreen perennial growing to 2 m by 2 m .
ShapeHeap up into a rounded pile.
LandscapeIn potted succulent collections, in rock gardens, as a patio or potted plant.
PropagationBy seed or division of offsets in the spring.
CultivationGrow in sandy, loamy and clay soils and prefers well-drained soil. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry soil and can tolerate drought.
Notable SpecimensTrebah Gardens, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatArid hillsides in the Andes, often spreading across large areas.
Leaf DescriptionLarge, dense rosettes of grey-green, strap-like leaves edged with hooked spines.
Flower DescriptionGreen or yellow flowers borne on spikes up to 2 m high. The species is hermaphrodite and is pollinated by birds. The plant is not self-fertile.

Photographs