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 Description:
Bromeliads are tropical plants in the pineapple family. They have
long, curved leaves that overlap at the base, forming a tight
little bowl—a perfect water tank! The leaves act as gutters
to collect rain, and the tank holds water. Really large bromeliads
can hold up to two gallons of water.
Many animals drink from
the water tanks formed by bromeliad leaves, and many others
actually live in the water tanks. The animals that live in bromeliad
water tanks bring nutrients to the plan in their droppings and
when they die. The spiky leaves of these plants trap forest litter
too. Bromeliads can absorb nutrients through special leaf pores,
which other plants don't have.
In this experiment, you'll use a pinapple to see how a bromeliad
catches water and animal and plant litter. A bromeliad has a
wider, deeper center than a pineapple does, but this will give
you an idea of how a bromeliad works.
What You'll Need:
A fresh pineapple from the store
A shart knife (to be used with adult supervision)
A trowel or large spoon
Soil
A container to grow the pinapple in
What to Do:
1. Choose a pineapple with healthy green leaves. Cut off the
top of the pineapple leaving about 3 inches of fruit attached
to the leaves.
2. Let the pineapple top dry for a day or two, then remove
the soft fruit, but leave the core attached to the leaves.
3. Fill a container with soil. Plant the pineapple top with
the core in the soil and the leaves above the soil. Water the
pineapple plant.
4. Set the pineapple in a sunny place. Water it when the soil
gets dry.
5. After your pineapple plant has grown some new leaves in
its center, put the plant outside during warm weather. Place
the plant in its container under some shurbs or trees and leave
it for several weeks. (Don't forget to water it if there is
no rain.)
6. Check the pineapple plant everyday or so to see what is
collecting in its water tank. After a rain, is there water
in the center of the plant or at the base of the leaves? Look
for particles of dirt, leaves, pine needles or flower petals.
Are there any insects or worms on the plant?
This experiment comes from the Rainforest Alliance. |