A rare ‘Medusa pineapple’ with over 60 tiny fruits has been discovered on a farm in Uttara Kannada, Karnataka. The unusual plant has amazed locals and experts, with officials suggesting it may be an exotic variety grown mainly for ornamental purposes.
An unusual and fascinating sight has emerged from Shevali village in Uttara Kannada district, where a farmer has discovered a rare pineapple plant bearing more than 60 tiny fruits on a single stem. This extraordinary growth has left locals and agricultural experts intrigued, drawing attention to what appears to be a unique or exotic variety of pineapple.
A Rare And Fascinating Sight
For farmers in this region, protecting crops is a constant challenge due to frequent attacks by monkeys, squirrels, wild boars, and civets. Pineapple plants, in particular, are highly vulnerable once the fruits begin to develop. However, this particular plant has managed to remain untouched by animals.
Initially, it appeared like any ordinary pineapple plant. Over time, however, it began producing numerous miniature pineapples clustered around the main fruit. These small fruits are not typically meant for consumption and resemble decorative formations. While it remains unclear whether the primary fruit is sweet, the plant has become a striking visual attraction.
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Possible Foreign Variety
According to Abdullah Dalavai, Horticulture Officer from Ramanagar, the plant may belong to a foreign variety originating from countries such as Thailand or Taiwan. The farmer reportedly purchased the plant from a nursery in Siddapur, where it was described as an exotic species at the time of sale.
Identified As ‘Medusa Pineapple’
Preliminary online research suggests that the plant could be a ‘Medusa pineapple’, a rare variety belonging to the Bromeliad family. Native to Thailand, this plant is primarily cultivated for ornamental purposes rather than for regular consumption.
The fruit is said to have a sweet and slightly sour taste, with the base being the sweetest part. A single Medusa pineapple can produce dozens, and sometimes even hundreds, of small fruitlets attached to the main body. This variety is gradually gaining popularity in tropical regions, including parts of India such as Kerala.
