Puya chilensis

{{speciesbox

|image = Puya chilensis 16.jpg

|genus = Puya

|species = chilensis

|authority = Molina

}}

Puya chilensis is a species of terrestrial bromeliad. It is endemic to central Chile.{{Cite web |title=Puya chilensis Molina {{!}} Plants of the World Online {{!}} Kew Science |url=http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:124406-1 |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Plants of the World Online |language=en}}

Description

An evergreen perennial, it forms large, dense rosettes of grey-green, strap-like leaves edged with hooked spines. The green or yellow flowers are borne on spikes which resemble a medieval mace, and stand up to {{convert|2|m|abbr=on}} high. Spreading by offsets, Puya chilensis can colonise large areas over time. Growth is slow and plants may take 20 years or more to flower. The outer two-thirds of the leaf blade bears outward-pointing spines which may be an adaptation to prevent herbivores from reaching the center of the plant.{{cite web |url=http://www.mma.gob.cl/clasificacionespecies/fichas7proceso/fichas_pac/Puya_chilensis_P07.pdf |title=Ficha de Especie Clasificada: Puya chilensis |author= |date=2010 |website=Clasificación de Especies |publisher=Ministerio del Medio Ambiente |language=Spanish |accessdate=21 June 2013 |archive-date=21 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021013518/http://www.mma.gob.cl/clasificacionespecies/fichas7proceso/fichas_pac/Puya_chilensis_P07.pdf |url-status=dead }} The plant is believed to be hazardous to sheep and birds which may become entangled in the spines of the leaves.{{cite book |last=Mabberley |first=D.J. |title=The Plant Book |url=https://archive.org/details/plantbookportabl00mabb |url-access=registration |quote=puya chilensis birds. |accessdate=21 June 2013 |edition=Second |year=1997 |publisher=Cambridge University Press |location=Cambridge |isbn=0-521-41421-0 |page=[https://archive.org/details/plantbookportabl00mabb/page/n618 599]}} If the animal dies, the plant may gain nutrients as the animal decomposes nearby, though this has not been confirmed. For this reason, Puya chilensis has earned the nickname "sheep-eating plant".{{Cite web|title = Sheep-Eating Plant Opens Up After 15 Years : DNews|url = http://news.discovery.com/earth/plants/sheep-eating-plant-opens-up-after-15-years-130622.htm|website = DNews|accessdate = 2015-11-30}} If true, this would make Puya chilensis a protocarnivorous plant. Fibers from the leaves are used to weave durable fishing-nets.

Natural habitat

File:Matorral de Puya y Echinopsis chiloensis Parque Nacional La Campana.JPG]]

It is commonly found on arid hillsides of the Andes, on north-facing slopes of matorral areas at {{convert|300|-|1000|m|abbr=on}} above sea level.

Conservation

Puya chilensis is not considered threatened. It is also 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.