BROMELIACEAE

 This small, spiky, carpet-forming plant is a member of the pineapple family and is native to southern Bolivia and northwestern Argentina. What makes it atypical is that it stays very low to the ground, forming a cluster along the soil surface. In a pot, it automatically forms a very attractive clump. It also thrives in a cold greenhouse or even outdoors until late in the season. Be careful with frost, though, as that could be a close call.

 Full sun, plenty of water during the growing season. Virtually bone dry in winter.