A new rupicolous species of Puya (Bromeliaceae) with pendulous inflorescence from the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia

Abstract

Puya pendula, a new species from rocky outcrops at mid elevations of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia is described here. This new species is unique within Puya because of its rupicolous habit, pendulous inflorescence, glabrescent floral bracts, pedicels and sepals covered with glandular hairs, and white petals with a green central longitudinal stripe. The description is complemented with comments on the geographical distribution of the species, habitat, conservation status and a complete taxonomic discussion of its affinities within Puya.