Ananas comosus, commonly known as Pineapple, is a low-growing perennial herb that forms a dense rosette of spiny leaves. It typically grows 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall, including the fruiting stalk.

Growth Form

• Terrestrial bromeliad

• Forms a tight basal rosette

• Short central stem

• Produces offsets (slips and suckers)

Leaves

• Long and sword-shaped

• Thick and fleshy

• Gray-green to bluish-green

• Margins may have small sharp spines

• Waxy surface to reduce water loss

Flowers

• Produced on a central upright stalk

• Small purple to reddish flowers

• Arranged in a compact cluster

• Each flower contributes to fruit formation

Fruit

• Composite fruit formed from many fused berries

• Rough, spiky outer skin

• Yellow flesh when ripe

• Sweet and acidic flavor

• Crown of leaves at top

• The fruit develops over several months.