Bromeliads - Beautiful, but at times DEADLY

I am sure you all know the pineapple. Even the expression - "the rough end of a pineapple" and where one may place it, may be familiar. Pineapples are the fruit of a bromeliad. And yes, there are both rough and smooth pineapples - nominally referring to their leaves. Many other bromeliads also have spines, few others have edible fruit.


Many other bromeliads have exquisitely beautiful flowers and / or marked leaves. They can be grown in many parts of the world, but are probably seen at their best in the tropics or subtropics. The range available in Hawaii is very broad, Florida has a wide variety available, as is the range seen in Thailand, and some other parts of Asia. Even tropical Australia has an extensive range available. They are hardy, and tolerant of both overwatering and drought, but thrive best generally in modestly irrigated conditions. But there are some even found in near desert, semi arid conditions.


Spectacular in flower, these specimens are in the front garden in pots. But, once flowered, the plant usually dies, spawning a vegetative pup from the base.










They can be deadly.......some have spines and a few have awfully serrated stiff spiny leaf edges.......definitely to be avoided.



I know they can be a problem, as I developed septicaemia from a broken spine in the finger going septic and infecting the tendon sheath, with an operation to clean it all up and a further five days in hospital . Finished up with a seriously damaged hand that took about a year to repair and enable use of the fingers again. So, take care with them. Avoid the spines!


Would massed plantings along a fence deter intruders? Maybe not, but it sure would give them a hard time of it.



BUT.......do admire the plants. The range is enormous. A quick look on Google images will show a wide range of multi coloured leaves and flowers. And they really take minimal time to manage.