Aechmea magdalenae - Wild pineapple
Family:
Native to:
Habitat:
Bromeliaceae
Panama to Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Ecuador
In forests, generally abundant. 0-1400 meters above sea level.
Ecological value:
Aechmea magdalenae uses crassulacean acid metabolism, where it absorbs Co2 during the night, stores it, and during the day uses the Co2 to create carbohydrates. This allows stomata to stay closed during the day, limiting water loss.
Material uses:
High quality fiber from leaves used for twine, rope and string, hammocks and bags.
Edible uses:
Sweet fruit. Can be eaten raw or cooked, made into beverage.
Medicinal use:
Sap used traditionally to prevent infections of wounds.
Other details:
Belongs to the Bromeliaceae family, of about 3700 species divided into around 80 genera. The family includes epiphytes and pineapple. Many are succulents and are resistant to drought.
Research:
Christine Facella/Christine Facella
Sources:
“Aechmea Magdalenae (André) André Ex Baker | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science.” n.d. Plants of the World Online. Accessed November 29, 2023. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:5516-2/general-information.
Pfitsch, William A.; Smith, Alan P. "Growth and Photosynthesis of Aechmea magdalenae, a Terrestrial CAM Plant in a Tropical Moist Forest, Panama". Journal of Tropical Ecology, 1988
Monga et al, "Determination of antibacterial activity in rhizome of plant Aechmea magdalenae (andre) andre ex baker". Journal of Medicinal Herbs and Ethnomedicine, 1970.
“Bromeliaceae.” 2020. Wikipedia. May 1, 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bromeliaceae.
Image source: Andra Waagmeester https://hiveminer.com/Tags/aechmeamagdalenae%2Cbromeliaceae