A rare and spectacular “carnivorous” plant from South America has flowered in our outdoor landscape for the first time since it was planted seven years ago.
The Puya berteroniana, which originates from the Andes mountain range in central Chile, is a member of the bromeliad family and related to the pineapple. It has distinctive turquoise and orange flowers which give off a rich, burnt-sugar fragrance.
At its base, the Puya berteroniana has barbed leaves which can make lethal traps for small mammals and even, it is claimed, larger prey such as sheep and cattle. An animal that is trapped may die of dehydration and fertilise the soil the plant is growing in as its carcass decomposes.
The Puya berteroniana can be found in the Plants for a warmer climate exhibit in the outdoor landscape at Eden but isn’t expected to last beyond July so you'd better get down here quick if you don't want to miss it.
Labels: Cornwall, Eden Project, Puya berteroniana
