Bayonet bromeliad
Bromelia serra
Family: Bromeliaceae
What it is like
Bromelia serra is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.4 m (1ft 4in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.4
Where it is found
A terrestrial herb that grows in the understory of Chaco and Cerrado woodlands and often forms the ground layer together with other bromeliads and cacti such as: the firecracker cactus or scarlet bugler (Cleistocactus baumanii) and Aechmea distichantha,
S. America - central Brazil and Bolivia to Paraguay and northern Argentina.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed
Countries/locations it is found in
Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Guiana, Paraguay, South America
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Very young shoots. The stem is roasted and eaten, and the fruit is boiled to obtain a thick syrup.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
A fibre called 'Caraguata fibre' is obtained from the leaves. It is used in S. America for making hammocks, sacks, sails etc, and has been recommended as a source of fibre for making paper. Useful in an ornamental border or as a groundcover. A good ground cover in xeric gardens. Fence.
Fencing: Plants that can be used for fencing.
Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Paper: Related to the entry for Fibre, these plants have been specifically mentioned for paper making.
Agroforestry Services: Living fence: Simply managed rows of shrubs and trees.
Industrial Crop: Fiber: Clothing, rugs, sheets, blankets etc. Currently, almost none of our fiber are produced from perennial crops but could be!
Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Agroforestry Services: Living fence: Simply managed rows of shrubs and trees.
Industrial Crop: Fiber: Clothing, rugs, sheets, blankets etc. Currently, almost none of our fiber are produced from perennial crops but could be!
Management: Standard: Plants grow to their standard height. Harvest fruit, seeds, or other products. Non-Destructive management systems.
Regional Crop: These crops have been domesticated and cultivated regionally but have not been adopted elsewhere and are typically not traded globally, Examples in this broad category include perennial cottons and many nuts and staple fruits.
Carbon Farming: Plants that can be a critical part of the solution to climate problems. The Carbon Farming Solution - Eric Toensmeier.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
Ground Cover: Ground Cover
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
A plant of the semi-arid tropics and subtropics. Requires a well-drained soil and a position in full sun. This species will grows on rocks or on top of the ground but it will grow faster if rooted in well drained soil.
Propagating it: Seed
Best place to grow:
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 10-12
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Full shade, semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Caraguata, Chaguar, Doidie, Jwiyi, Karaguata, Khayara, Wiye
Synonyms
Bromelia lindmanii Mez Karatas laciniosa Lindm. Karatas serra (Griseb.) Burkill Rhodostachys argentina Baker