PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN NEInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Not Evaluated — not yet assessed against the IUCN Red List criteria.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Ananas comosus
Pineapple
(L.) Merr.
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A tropical, perennial, herbaceous plant that grows as a dense rosette of tough, sword-like, spiny-margined leaves. It produces a central, rigid stalk topped by a spike-like inflorescence of individual purple or violet flowers. The outstanding feature is its large, edible syncarp—a complex multiple fruit formed by the fusion of numerous individual berries around a fibrous central core, crowned with a compact tuft of smaller leaves.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
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Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Poales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Bromeliaceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Ananas
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(L.) Merr.
Record Completeness
85%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Herbivore
Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Originally native to the tropical river basins between southern Brazil and Paraguay. It thrives in well-drained, sandy loam soils with acidic pH levels and requires warm temperatures with moderate, evenly distributed rainfall. It has high drought tolerance compared to other tropical crops and is cultivated heavily across humid tropical and subtropical lowlands worldwide.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
A terrestrial bromeliad that shapes microhabitats in its native ecosystems. While wild varieties display typical forest-understory dynamics, modern agricultural varieties exhibit synchronized chemical-induced flowering. It functions as a stable ecosystem component, retaining water in its leaf bases and interacting with soil macrofauna through its dense, shallow root system.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
60.0 - 150.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Utilizes Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) photosynthesis, a highly efficient evolutionary adaptation where stomata open exclusively at night to absorb carbon dioxide, dramatically reducing daytime water loss through transpiration in hot climates.
Possesses a specialized trough-like arrangement of leaves forming a tight central rosette, which channels rainwater, dew, and airborne nutrients straight downward toward the base of the stem and shallow adventitious roots.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
High susceptibility to 'mealybug wilt of pineapple' (MWP), a devastating disease complex caused by viruses transmitted by the pink pineapple mealybug (Dysmicoccus授权), leading to severe root collapse and leaf desiccation.
Vulnerability to Heart Rot and Root Rot caused by the oomycetes Phytophthora cinnamomi and Phytophthora nicotianae, which rapidly rot the subterranean tissues and central leaf base under poor drainage or waterlogged soils.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The pineapple is not a single fruit, but a dense cluster of up to 200 individual berry-like fruitlets. Each 'scale' on the exterior rind represents the surface of an individual flower that fused together during development.
Contains abundant amounts of bromelain, a complex mixture of protein-digesting (proteolytic) enzymes. Bromelain is so potent at breaking down proteins that it is used commercially as a meat tenderizer and can cause a tingling sensation on the human tongue.