Ananas comosus comes from the pineapple family (Bromeliad) and originated from Brazil in South America and spread throughout the Caribbean, Asia and Hawaii.
Ananas is the only Bromeliad that is of any commercial value and provides us with delicious pineapples. It is grown both for edible and decorative value.
Columbus came across pineapples in 1493 in the Caribbean and took some back to Europe. It was the Spainish who introduced pineapples to the Philippines and Hawaii.
Ananas Bracteatus commonly called Red pine is from Brazil. It forms a large rosette with flattened, coppery green, leathery leaves with large spines, and produces large edible fruit.
Ananas comosus commonly called Smooth Cayenne is widely grown in Guyana and was taken to Hawaii in 1886 where it was planted. Large plantations and fields were then developed to commercially produce pineapples for export, and this has become a thriving business.
Pineapple is an excellent source of Vitamin C. Here in Guyana pineapples are canned and bottled, and made into jams. Slices are also available daily along with freshly picked pineapples. They are grown on large scale in the Canal area on the West Bank of Demerara and in the Soesdyke area.
Ananas comosus likes sun, and will grow in a pot if it is wanted as a decorative house plant. In the dry season the leaves can be watered twice a week, and if the topsoil dries out, the soil as well. It can be given a liquid plant food once a fortnight.
NB: Please remember to attend the Flower Show today at the Umana Yana. It begins at 10 am and goes on until 6 pm. Come and enjoy a cup of tea and delicious snacks with us. Plants and fertilizers will be on sale.
Until next week, Happy Gardening! See you at the Flower Show.
