Ananas pingouin, Karatas, Camburito

Bromelia karatas

Physical Characteristics

Bromelia karatas is an evergreen Perennial growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

S. America - Brazil and Ecuador north through Central America to Mexico and the West Indies.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Drink The very young inflorescences are eaten as a vegetable[46 , 301 ]. The fruit is edible[200 ]. A pleasant flavour[46 ]. It is used in the preparation of a refreshing drink called 'Atol de Pina'[46 , 301 ]. The fruit is up to 8cm long[200 ]. The fruits are edible after removal of thin stinging hairs. Similarly to pineapple, eating too much may cause blisters. Tender leaf bases of young shoots - blanched and eaten as a vegetable or added to soups[301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Skin The juice of the plant is used to cicatrize recent sores and wounds[348 ]. An alcoholic tincture of the juice is used for a detersive on ulcers[348 ].

Known Hazards

The fruits have thin stinging hairs.