Nanas batu (Phytocrene bracteata)

Product description

The fruits of this particular species are softly hairy and yellow-brown coloured when ripe. They contain sweet flesh reminiscent of that of a lychee and have 1 elongated seed. The size per fruit is about 6 cm, but they grow in round clusters and the whole can therefore become quite large and heavy. It is a vine from the lowland rainforests of Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. While climbing trees, it can reach a height of about 15 metres with thick, woody stems at the ground. The plant is dioecious, so there are male and female individuals. Both flower with separate, pendulous inflorescences, after which the female flowers are followed by fruits after pollination. 

The species is tropical, so it can only be kept as a houseplant or in a heated greenhouse or conservatory. If it gets too big, it can easily be pruned. But for flowering, it is necessary to let the plant grow quite large. Provide well-drained soil and keep it constantly slightly moist. A light spot without direct sunlight is optimal.  

Sowing description: The already germinated seed can be planted directly in sowing soil. Keep the temperature around 25-30 grC for initial development and the soil constantly moist. After the formation of the first leaves, the temperature can be lowered if necessary (20-30grC).