ANANAS

(from nanas, the South American name for the Pine Apple). S YN. An an a a. Pine Apple. O RD. Bromeliaceæ. Stove herbaceous perennials, having the berries collected with the bracts into a compound fruit. Leaves rigid; edges spiny. The variegated form is a useful plant for decorative purposes, and may be employed without the usual harmful consequences attending stove plants generally, but it must not be subjected to cold draughts. The soil should consist of two parts fibrous loam, one of peat, one of dung and leaf mould, and another of sand. Those propagated from suckers, which should be laid by a day or two and then inserted in a strong heat, have, as a rule, longer and lighter-coloured leaves. Offsets are often produced at the base of the fruit, and make stout plants, with high-coloured foliage. When the plants are potted in spring, plunge them in bottom heat, to hasten their growth; but this is not absolutely nece ary. Should it be desired to fruit the variegated form, the plants may be submitted to the same proce of culture as detailed under Pine Apple (which see ).