Family: Bromeliaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 285 (1753)
Year: 1753
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Bromelia
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to Trop. America
Description
Pinguin (Bromelia pinguin), first described by Linnaeus in 1753, is a notable species belonging to the Bromeliaceae family. This resilient plant is distributed from Mexico to tropical regions of the Americas, thriving in a variety of climates and terrains.
Bromelia pinguin, commonly known as Pinguin, is characterized by its robust structure and striking appearance. The plant typically features long, narrow, and sharply serrated leaves that form a dense, rosette pattern. These leathery leaves can grow quite large, often reaching up to one meter in length, providing a formidable defense with their spiny edges.
The Pinguin plant is also renowned for its brilliant inflorescence. At the center of the leaf rosette, it produces a flowering stalk adorned with vibrant, elongated bracts and small flowers. The flowers, usually hues of red or purple, are not only visually appealing but also attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the ecological richness of their natural habitats.
In addition to its ornamental value, Bromelia pinguin holds cultural and practical significance in many regions where it is native. The fibrous leaves have been traditionally used for crafting, while the plant’s fruit, though tart, is edible and sometimes used in local cuisines or as a natural remedy. Its hardy nature also makes it an excellent choice for use in erosion control and as a natural hedge, thanks to its dense and thorny foliage.
Pinguin’s adaptability to diverse environmental conditions exemplifies its evolutionary success. It can be found in coastal zones, open forests, and even in the understory of denser woodlands. This versatility, along with its striking beauty and practical uses, makes Bromelia pinguin a plant of considerable interest to both botanists and horticulturists alike.
In summary, Pinguin (Bromelia pinguin) is a fascinating and multifaceted plant, noteworthy for its hardy nature, ecological role, and practical applications. From its spiky, formidable leaves to its vivid flower displays, it stands out as a distinctive member of the tropical flora.
Common Names
Eng: pinguin, wild pine, pingwing
Deu: pinguinananas
Spa: piñuela timbiriche, piñuela
Fra: ananas marron
Swe: hampbromelia
En: Pinguin, Wild pine, Ping wing, Thatch, Pingwing, Wild pineapple
Fr: Ananas marron, Karatas
De: Pinguinananas
Ht: Zannanna pengwen
Pt: Caraguatá
Ru: Бромелия пингвин
Es: Maya, Piñuela, Piñuela., Pinguín, Piñuela timbiriche
Sv: Hampbromelia
Synonyms
- Bromelia ignea (Beer)
- Agallostachys fastuosa ((Lindl.) Beer)
- Bromelia sepiaria (Schult. & Schult.f.)
- Bromelia fastuosa (Lindl.)
- Agallostachys pinguin ((L.) Beer)
- Ananas pinguin ((L.) Gaertn.)
- Karatas pinguin ((L.) Mill.)
Distribution
- Belize (native)
- Cayman Is. (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Costa Rica (native)
- Cuba (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Honduras (native)
- Jamaica (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Nicaragua (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Southwest Caribbean (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Venezuelan Antilles (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- Florida (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Feb 14, 2020 by Ronan Gamero (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 1, 2021 by lepard stephenson steele (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2020 by eleion eleion (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2021 by Cherokee Twin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 13, 2021 by Omar Antonio Rodríguez Alas (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Apr 11, 2017 by Hervé Goëau (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 19, 2022 by juan ramom martinez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Juan Carlos Ordonez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 31, 2021 by Cherokee Twin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 14, 2020 by arati harpaul (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 19, 2015 by EOL − Aurelio Molina Hernández (cc-by-nc)
Taken Sep 1, 2015 by EOL − FRANCISCO MIGUEL FARRIOLS ESTRADA (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 26, 2021 by Nik (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2019 by giuditta castioni (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 6, 2021 by Marques Lucas (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Apr 16, 2016 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Dec 22, 2013 by EOL − León Simón Sánchez (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 9, 2017 by Guy Van Laere (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 23, 2021 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 24, 2019 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)
Taken Dec 14, 2020 by arati harpaul (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Jun 23, 2021 by pedrogc — (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5287905)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:319113-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Bromelia pinguin L.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Forb/herb
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 6.5
Ph minimum: 4.5
