Aechmea bromeliifolia
Family: Bromeliaceae
What it is like
A pineapple like plant, but larger. It grows attached to other plants and in the forks of trees. There are 12-20 shoots in a ring and these are 50-100 cm long by 4-11 cm wide. There are teeth along the edge and hook shaped spines. The flower is in the centre of the ring of leaves. It is white. The ripe flowers are removed from the spike and have a sweet layer around the seeds. The seeds are 4-9 mm long and crescent shaped.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant.
Countries/locations it is found in
Brazil, South America
How it is used for food
The base of the buds is sucked.
Edible parts
Sap of spikes
How it is grown
It can be grown from seeds. The sticky pulp should be removed by washing in running water. It can be grown in soil or in the forks of trees. It can be grown from seedlings of the clump.
Its other names
Local names
Ananarana, Guaraique
Synonyms
Aechmea conspicuiarmata Baker; and several others