Gravata, Banana-do-mato
Bromelia antiacantha

Family: Bromeliaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen plant. It is almost without a stem. It forms a ring. It can be 2 m tall. The leaves are erect and have spines on the edges. They are 1 m long. The flowering stalk arises from the centre. It has 7 distinct flower bracts. The fruit are berries. They are 4-5 cm across. The have juicy flesh.

There are 47 Bromelia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in coastal regions in forests and forest covered sand dunes in Brazil. It is best with a humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. It is damaged by drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Peru, South America (country/location of origin), Uruguay

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten fresh. They are mostly used for jellies.

Edible parts

Fruit, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or from sprouts near the base.

Its other names

Local names

Bananinha-do-mato, Caraguata

Synonyms

Agallostachys anticantha (Bertol.) Beer; Agallostachys commeliniana ( de Vriese) Beer; Bromelia commeliniana de Vriese;