Symmetrical PineApple

By Kieran

The Symmetrical Pineapple


 
Original artwork and poem by Kieran Gonsalves (c) 2026, remembering my trip a few years ago to the remote hills of Manipur, when I bought discarded fronds of pineapples from a roadside vendor for a pittance and planted them in Goa, where it bore sweet fruit. The geometric patterns of the fruit and the plant inspired me to paint a spiral for the sky


Botanically, the pineapple is many berries fused around a central core.
Each hexagonal eye a mature flower with antioxidants and vitamins galore!

In colonial times, these were ostentatious symbols of prestige and wealth.
Adorning banquet tables and imperial crests. Now a symbol of good health!

Arranged spirally in a natural Fibonacci pattern, efficient and elegant!
Optimal spacing for sunlight and continuous development that's renascent.

It bears only one fruit every 18 months, a symbol of patience and perfection.
A new plant grows from the frond of leaves on top, for easy self-propagation.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Pineapples were depicted in woodwork as embellishment for carved furniture in the mansions of the wealthy in England...they also formed the centerpiece in elaborate fruit arrangements at banquets...main fact is they signified wealth! Here they are sold on carts at street corners for Rs 60/- each! But we despise them and choose persimmons and apples from Japan and Korea! Man always craves something exotic, ignoring the huge variety of healthy and cheap fruit that is available locally. Inexplicable! 🤦🏼‍♂️🤔😁
January 6, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Kieran said…
Isn't that sad - familiarity breds contempt - Kieran
January 6, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Anonymous said…
Except one correction.
A fruit every 12 months, not 18.
We grow pineapples at our farm. (From a dear friend who is also an experienced successful farmer in Karjat)
January 6, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Kieran said…
Ah ok
So I guess it depends on fertility of the soil and other conditions
Mine in Goa took about 18 months.

Here’s the typical breakdown:

A] Planting → vegetative growth: 12–18 months
The plant grows leaves and builds energy. No fruit yet.

B] Flowering: After the plant is mature, it naturally flowers (or can be induced). This usually happens around the same 12–18 months after planting.

C] Flower → ripe fruit:
5–7 months Once the flower appears, the pineapple slowly develops and ripens.

🍍 Factors that affect timing

i) Climate: Warm, tropical conditions speed things up
ii) Sunlight: Full sun (6–8+ hours daily) is crucial

Planting material: Crowns, slips, or suckers all work, but suckers usually fruit a bit faster

Care: Good drainage, light feeding, and no frost

🌿 Bonus tip: After harvesting the first pineapple, the same plant often produces side shoots (suckers) that can fruit again, usually in another 12–15 months, without replanting.
January 6, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Anonymous said…
It’s a beautiful balance of geometric design in Nature. (A dear friend from Florida)
January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Kieran said…
Nature has so many elegant solutions - thanks to our good and gracious creator - Kieran
January 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM
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