Bromelia balansae, commonly known as Heart Of Flame, is a large terrestrial bromeliad with a striking resemblance to the pineapple, native to the dry forests and savannas of South America, particularly in Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina. It features long, arching green leaves that can grow 2–4 feet in length and are armed with very sharp spines along the margins. The Heart Of Flame earns its name when it prepares to bloom, as the center of the plant turns a vivid red, followed by the emergence of white flowers, and finally producing an orange fruit. The fruit is known for its cooling properties when used to make a drink. This bromeliad reaches a substantial size quickly, making it suitable for use as a living fence in tropical and subtropical regions.

The Heart Of Flame is valued for its dramatic color transformation during blooming and its ease of growth. It is commonly used in landscaping for its bold texture and as a barrier plant due to its spiny leaves. While it thrives in full sun, it can also do well in part shade, requiring medium amounts of water and well-draining soil. It is not frost-tolerant and should be grown outdoors in warm climates or as a potted plant in cooler areas where it can be moved indoors during cold weather. Care should be taken when handling this plant due to its sharp spines, which can cause injury.CC BY-SA 4.0