Puya chilensis

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Puya chilensis is a terrestrial bromeliad found in central Chile. It is an evergreen perennial that forms large rosettes of grey-green, strap-like leaves with spines along the edges. The plant sends up green or yellow flowers on spikes that can reach about 2 meters tall (around 6.5 feet).

Puya chilensis grows slowly and spreads by offsets, so it can cover large areas over time. It may take 20 years or more to flower. The outer parts of the leaf blades have spines that point outward, which may help protect the plant from herbivores.

Some people believe the plant may be hazardous to sheep and birds, as they can get tangled in the spines. If true, this could help the plant gain nutrients as animals die nearby, though this isn’t confirmed. Because of this, Puya chilensis is sometimes called the “sheep-eating plant.”

Fibers from the leaves are used to weave strong fishing nets. The plant grows on dry hillsides of the Andes, especially on north-facing slopes in matorral areas, at about 300–1,000 meters above sea level.

Puya chilensis is not considered threatened and is grown in many parts of the world. In its natural dry habitat, the plants can burn easily and fires are often caused by human activity. Clearing land is a growing threat to the species.