In 1980 or thereabouts a plant was imported from Jeffrey Kent called Guzmania pennellii into Coffs Harbour, NSW and Peter Tristram had his arm twisted on several occasions to release an offset. It grew well and flowered well in areas to the north. I know that John Catlan got an offset.
Who do you go to in time of need? Harry Luther of course! Harry did have this plant from Colombia, too from Kent but it was in his too hard basket and he did not know if it was a new species or a hybrid. It has no good origin or history so the chances of it being formally described as a species are remote. So we had a good plant that grew well without a name.
After much discussion Peter decided on 'Penny Wise', not only were we wise after the event but the first three letters linked to 'pennellii'! It flowers to about 60cm high and Peter says it is quite hardy.
Below are photos of what a Guzmania pennellii looks like and what 'Penny Wise' looks like. Please change your labels NOW!
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