Bayonet bromeliad
Bromelia serra

Family: Bromeliaceae

What it is like

An evergreen plant. It grows 1.4 m tall and spreads 1.5 m wide. The stem is short and tube shaped. The leaves are greyish-green. They are 1.4 m long and stiff and fleshy. The flowers are reddish purple and have white sepals. They are in short heads.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows best in a rich, moist soil. It needs a protected sunny position. It is damaged by drought and frost. In Argentina it grows between 100-1,200m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America (country/location of origin), Guiana, Paraguay, South America

How it is used for food

The very young stem buds are eaten with fish fats. The fruit are eaten fresh. They can also be boiled or crushed and made into a drink. Seeds are also eaten.

It is commonly eaten during winter.

Edible parts

Buds, fruit, shoots, seeds, flowering shoots

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from offsets.

Its other names

Local names

Caraguata, Chaguar, Doidie, Jwiyi, Karaguata, Kawatami, Khayara, Nankankwe, Wiye

Synonyms

Bromelia lindmanii Mez; Bromelia serra var. variegata M. B. Foster; Bromelia serra f. variegata (M. B. Foster) M. B. Foster ex L. B. Sm.; Karatas laciniosa Lindm.; Karatas serra (Griseb.) Burkill; Rhodostachys argentina Baker;