Did you know that the pineapple isn’t actually a fruit? The answer lies in its flowers…

Ananas comosus var. bracteatus

By Biól. Cristóbal Sánchez and Esthefanía Beltrán

May 7, 2026

If you are looking for a striking, resilient tropical plant that is perfect for ornamental gardens, the Red Pineapple (Ananas comosus var. bracteatus) is one of the most fascinating species you can discover. With its striking leaf coloration—a soft green with reddish edges—and clusters of highly attractive decorative fruits, this plant has become a favorite among gardening enthusiasts, landscape designers, and botanical tourism lovers.

But wait—isn’t a pineapple a fruit?

The Red Pineapple is a variety of the common edible pineapple that belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, along with air plants and Tillandsia (Tillandsia spp.). The scales we see on the surface of the ripe pineapple are the remnants of individual flowers, which are tubular and cluster very tightly on a stem in a structure known as an inflorescence. These flowers may attract hummingbirds, but the pineapple can form its fruit without fertilization; this curious phenomenon is known as parthenocarpy.

Each flower forms an individual fruit that fuses with the other nearby fruits on this tightly packed stem to create the pineapple we know and love. Therefore, the pineapple is not a single fruit, but rather a cluster of several fruits, also known as an infructescence.

The pineapple (Ananas comosus) is native to South America, particularly Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina. It thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with warm temperatures and high humidity.

Thanks to its ornamental beauty, it can now be found in botanical gardens, hotels, parks, and private collections around the world.

Basic Care for Red Pineapple

If you want to grow red pineapples at home, keep these tips in mind:

Light: Partial sun or bright indirect light

Watering: Moderate, avoiding waterlogging

Soil: Well-drained and rich in organic matter

Climate: Warm, frost-free environments

Maintenance: Low, ideal for beginners

Visit the Vallarta Botanical Garden to see this variety of red pineapple in a spectacular natural setting—we look forward to seeing you!