Originating in the area between southern Brazil and Paraguay. The plant grows as a small shrub, with the individual flowers of the unpollinated plant fusing to form a multiple fruit. It typically matures within a year, with a short, stocky stem and tough, waxy leaves. It creates up to 200 flowers when producing its fruit, which then join together to create a multiple fruit. After the first fruit is produced, side shoots, known as 'suckers' by commercial growers, are produced and can be removed for propagation or left to produce additional fruits on the original plant1. Its fruit is arranged in two interlocking helices, often with 8 in one direction and 13 in the other, each being a Fibonacci number. This species also carries out a unique form of photosynthesis, fixing carbon dioxide at night and releasing it during the day to aid in photosynthesis. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, manganese, bromelain, antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which help the body ward off oxidative stress. The major producing countries of pineapple are the Philippines, Costa Rica, Brazil, Indonesia, China and India. Photographed in Colombia where it is cultivated below 6,000 feet. In Colombia the street the price for one pineapple can be less than 40 cents. In season, pickup trucks with beds full of pineapples will be for sale on roadsides.