Our survey says: you're all wrong
Here's something I didn't realise was a mystery, but apparently has stumped most people I've met.

I was in Brazil, and I made some reference to pineapples which got a laugh from the locals. Turns out I was compeletely wrong about how they grew.

So, particularly for the people who DON'T live in tropical countries, how DO pineapples grow?

I thought they grew on trees, like coconuts. Since discovering I was wrong, I've asked lots of people back here in the UK, and with one exception, everyone else thought the same too.

Correct answer in the replies...
(moon monkey is busy making memories worth repressing, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 17:03, 12 replies)

And the answer is...
They grow underground, with the green leafy bit sticking out.
(moon monkey is busy making memories worth repressing, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 17:05, closed)

no they don't.

( scarpe We Stole Bikes, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 17:10, closed)

Hah! you're right... clearly my portuguese was too crap to understand correctly
But my central point, that lots of people, like me, thought they grew on tall trees like coconuts, is still valid.

But have a point for being right. I abase myself at your feet.
(moon monkey is busy making memories worth repressing, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 17:14, closed)

yeah, I think it was Kew Gardens that I realised. Until then I'd assumed trees too.

( scarpe We Stole Bikes, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 17:16, closed)

You're confusing pineapples
with parsnips. An easy mistake to make.
(bat_fudgie, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 17:15, closed)

No, there's an easy way to tell:
Pineapples hurt a lot more when used as butt plugs
(moon monkey is busy making memories worth repressing, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 17:21, closed)

Easy
On low bushes. Lots of them in the Eden Project.
(Audax Victor, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 17:06, closed)

here you go!
www.flickr.com/photos/rezendi/2958403527/
( Grindstaff, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 23:23, closed)

Twist off the top of a shop bought pineapple, pull off bottom leafs, let dry for a week, plant in soil - 3 years later you will have one pineapple. There are a few things like bringing it in in the winter, and stuff, but I can't remember - we grew them at school when we were little. Keep meaning to do it, but I kill all things living. Worth a google.
(feedingtimeatthezoo day 1 of his bikini diet started, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 17:56, closed)

"Hello,
...is that the police...?"
(FUXTIX Not my words, Carol, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 21:18, closed)

I bet your house fucking reeks.

( Michael Ellis contributes nothing, Fri 14 Oct 2011, 22:05, closed)

They grow on the ground
in a plant that is not unlike the top of the pineapple.

Next question.

(not googled, didn't read replies)
( Mrs Entity is in hiding., Sat 15 Oct 2011, 17:37, closed)