A small species with twisted foliage and fragrant light blue flowers. Native of Bolivia and Argentina where it grows in small clusters in the arid scrublands. The leaves are silvery, terete and somewhat kinked. Its inflorescence is like that of a streptocarpa, with light blue fragrant flowers. Grow bright and airy for best results.

An impressive large growing plant from the area of Yosondua, Oaxaca, Mexico where it grows terrestrially on exposed rock. It rarely produces roots, but tends to grow in dense clusters, supporting one another or leaning on rocks for support. Superficially, it resembles a giant capitata, with many strappy leaves, gracefully recurving in a 24 to 30 inch silvery rosette.

The inflorescence is quite tall with a capitate head of long bracts and tight branches. In nature the inflorescence is red, hence the name, which means literally 'red head'. However, under our hot, humid, shaded conditions the colors are usually more subdued. This species is rare in cultivation.

The largest form, native to the desert valleys of central Ecuador. Often found growing as a saxicole or on cacti, this form differs from the typical in being much larger, with a bulbous base that can reach three inches in diameter and strictly upright, fine reddish-brown leaves. The inflorescence is longer, exceeding the foliage by several inches, branched and producing many yellow flowers which have a mild fragrance. An easy species to cultivate. Grows into a nice slightly stoloniferous cluster and does well mounted or potted in a very loose, well-drained media.