Ananasblad

Ananasblad (Dutch for "pineapple leaf") denotes the long, pointed leaves that form the characteristic rosette of the pineapple plant (genus Ananas, principally Ananas comosus). These leaves are typically leathery, sword-shaped and arranged around a central stem, often bearing small marginal spines. Their surface may be smooth or slightly waxy, adaptations that reduce water loss in the plant’s native tropical and subtropical habitats.

Functionally, ananasbladeren carry out photosynthesis and water storage; many pineapple species use CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) photosynthesis, opening stomata at night to conserve water. The leaf crown at the top of a fruit is commonly used for vegetative propagation: detached crowns or slips can be rooted to grow new plants.

Beyond their botanical role, pineapple leaves have economic and cultural uses. Fibers extracted from the leaves are processed into a textile known as piña, traditionally produced in the Philippines and used for lightweight fabrics and formal wear. Leaves are also employed in craftwork, as mulch, animal fodder in some regions, and occasionally as a decorative motif in design—reflecting the pineapple’s wider symbolism of hospitality.

Handling ananasbladeren requires caution because of their rigid structure and marginal spines. In cultivation, proper spacing, drainage and attention to pests and diseases help maintain healthy leaf growth and fruit production.