Cardo, Brazilian vase plant
Aechmea distichantha

Family: Bromeliaceae

What it is like

A pineapple like plant with a ring of leaves. It grows 1 m tall. The leaves are spiky and grey-green. They are 2-3 cm wide. The flowers are bright pink. They are at the top of the plant on a stiff stalk. The fruit is white and wooly and berry-like

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It suits USDA hardiness zones 10b-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Bolivia (country/location of origin), Brazil, India, Paraguay, South America (country/location of origin), Uruguay

How it is used for food

It is probably minor.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown by suckers.

Its other names

Local names

Caraguata-chuca, Cardo amarillo

Synonyms

Aechmea brasiliensis Regel and several others