Pinuela. Pinguin

Bromelia pinguin

Physical Characteristics

Bromelia pinguin is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 1 m (3ft 3in) 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 can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

Northern South America - Venezuela north to Central America and the West Indies.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Flowers Fruit Shoots Edible Uses: Drink The fruits are edible but very acid[331 ]. The fruit is intensely sour and acrid, it is sometimes used for making vinegar[331 ]. It makes an excellent, refreshing drink[301 ]. The young shoots at the base of the plant can be eaten raw or cooked[301 ]. They are much used as food in all the dryer regions of Guatemala[331 ]. They can be had when ordinary vegetables are scarce or unobtainable, as at the end of the dry season[331 ]. The inflorescence is fried and eaten[301 ]. In El Salvador, it is used to make gruel.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known