| Pineapple | |
| Ananas comosus |
Very common tropical fruit coming in several varieties, all with sweetish, acidic flavor.
Description: 2-5ft tall bromeliad. Leaves are 1-6ft long, frond-like, with small
razored edges. Fruits take around 9 months to mature, upon which
the mother plant will die. Usually, a side shoot or sucker has
developed at this point, which will then flower and produce another
fruit.
Hardiness: While they
are hardy to 28-32F, growth stops below 55F. Ideal growing temperatures
are between 68-95F.
Growing Environment: Pineapples enjoy acidic soil, lots of water, full sun,
and warm temperatures. They are drought tolerant.
Propagation: By far the easiest way to propagate, is to cut the
top off of a pineapple fruit. Suckers are the other most common way
of propagation.
Uses: Normally eaten fresh, or used in preserves, desserts, garnishes, and as flavoring for numerous dishes.
Native Range: Native to Brazil and Paraguay.