Tillandsia purpurea is found in Peru's famous coastal deserts where it forms large colonies on the burning sands, each containing millions of plants of a single or a few clones. Adjacent valleys may have completely different looking forms which are in fact the same species. This happens to be one of the more desirable of Tillandsias due in part to its ease of cultivation and its colorful, fragrant flowers.

A pretty hybrid by John Arden dating back to the 1970's. 

(xiphioides x capitata 'Rubra')