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 June 23, 2005
Plants
Can you distinguish the two "Pineapples"? 

It is easy to see why the Screw pine is also called "Fake Pineapple" in Chinese. Its fruit looks a lot like pineapple, and its pulp tastes good and is safe to eat.

 

Different from pineapple, it is orange-red in colour and about 20 centimetres across.

 

The tree blossoms in summer, with many small flowers. The male flower is pale yellow and has an unpleasant smell when it ripens. Female flowers are green.

 

This tree grows up to five metres tall and it can flourish in adverse environments. It often grows in dense thickets, even on a sandy beach.

 

It is a small evergreen tree widely distributed in tropical Asia. It is commonly seen in coastal areas of Hong Kong such as Tung Chung, Sai Kung and the coastal areas of the northeastern New Territories. Perhaps you can go for a hike with your parents this summer to see if you can find some!


 

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Screw pine
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Great pretender: The Screw pine's fruit looks a lot like pineapple, and its pulp tastes good and is safe to eat. 
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