Pingwing. Ixtle, Pita plant

Aechmea magdalenae

Physical Characteristics

Aechmea magdalenae is an evergreen Perennial growing to 2.5 m (8ft) by 2.5 m (8ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Northwestern S. America - Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela; C. America - Panama to Mexico.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. The fleshy fruits are sweet and very tasty[315 ]. An acid flavour, they are said to be better when made into beverages[301 ]. The elliptic to ovate fruits are 5 - 6 cm long, to ca 2 cm. diameter[315 ]. The yellow fruit becomes orange and soft at maturity[315 ].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known