Dyckia is a genus of the botanical family Bromeliaceae, subfamily Pitcairnioideae. The genus is named after the Prussian botanist, botanical artist and horticulturist The Prince and Earl of Salm Reifferscheid-Dyck (1773-1861). Dyckias, with stiff and thorny leaves, prefer rocky and/or sunny areas and have a natural tendency to clump leading to thick, large mats. The subfamily Pitcairnioideae contains several “terrestrial” members of the Bromeliaceae, with cultivated genera including Dyckia, Hechtia, Pitcairnia and Puya. Considered to be the most ancient lineage of bromeliads, they are endemic to arid and high-altitude regions of Brazil and the central part of South America.

Dyckia brevifolia or Pineapple Dyckia as it is commonly known is a stemless, succulent, terrestrial bromeliad, native chiefly to Brazil and Argentina. It flowers during summer and bears 7mm long sulphur-orange to yellow flowers. It does best in full sun to light shade, with night temperatures of 10-15°C and day temperatures of 20°C or higher. Pot in lime-free compost consisting of 2 parts peat moss to 1 part loam to 1 part sharp sand or perlite. Allow the potting mix to become moderately dry between thorough watering. Fertilize every 2 weeks with a balanced fertilizer diluted to ½ strength recommended on the label. It is propagated from the new shoots that appear at the base of the plant.