<previous next>

Burgundy Pineapple Shrub

Shrub type: Deciduous (Grows along the ground or other low surfaces.)

This short shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 176 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has dozens of branched, straight stems covered in wrinkled, burgundy bark, and the wood inside is yellow.

The branches are long and slender with dozens of twigs that and are covered with thick bunches of large, sickle shaped, leaves with ripped edges. The leaves themselves are faded purple and lime, durable and fuzzy.

In early spring it produces many clusters of medium-sized, pink blossoms with many layers of petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are very delicate and have a strong scent that smells like pineapple.

In late winter triangular fruits ripen. The smooth lime skin is thick and edible when roasted; it is sweet, and the soft aquamarine flesh is extremely savoury and sticky. The light brown seed is very large and sits at the top of the fruit.

Offering it in a bouquet is supposed to bring good luck.
It can flourish even in standing water.
It is suitable for creating strong, durable textiles