• Question: Why are pineapples spikey?

    Asked by thelionessxxx to Leo on 13 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Leo Garcia

      Leo Garcia answered on 13 Jun 2010:

      OK, I’m just going off a quick bit of online research here, but…

      The spikes on a pineapple are a method of self defence! Pineapples evolved these tough and painful spikes to prevent the fruit being eaten. Which is odd, because some fruits ‘want’ to be eaten, so that the seeds of the plant can be spread over a wider area.

      Let’s put it this way, if you’re ever in Malaysia, why not pop in to the world famous Pineapple Museum:

      http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/destinations/item.asp?item=pineapplemuseum

      Where I’m sure the staff could answer your question more fully! Sorry for the lame reply – fruit evolution isn’t my specialty!

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