Pineapple the Edible Bromeliad

Mention the word "bromeliad" and you may pick up some quick stares – "bra… what"? Many people know what a bromeliad is… just not by that name.

The most popular of all Bromeliads would probably be the pineapple! The commercial edible bromeliad botanically known as Ananas comosus.  I’ve visited the pineapple fields in hawaii  and tasted the fruits… it can only be described as "candy."

However, the pineapple also has a few other relatives in the family. These other siblings dress in green, pink striped and cream leaves. When mature most Ananas boast a rosette of leaves 2 feet or more across.

Although the pineapple (Ananas comosus) may give us food for the table a smaller more "dwarf" pineapple – Ananus nanus – is  more commonly grown as a house plant. Arching  12 to 15-inch grayish-green leaves surround a spike of red buds often resembling a pincushion. This miniture even gives a nice 2-inch high, edible pineapple. Ananus nanus is grown more as a novelty plant.  If you want to start a conversation in the office or out on the patio with a cup of coffee… try a pineapple!