Ananas comosus poster

The first account of the pineapple was given by Christopher Columbus and his men, who landed on the island now known as Guadeloupe on their second voyage of discovery.1 Columbus brought the succulent fruit back to Europe in 1493. Its cylindrical shape and rough, spiky surface caused the Spaniards to name it pina, after the pine cone, although the pineapple is much larger by comparison. The English noted the same resemblance, hence our word "pineapple". The Portuguese, along with other Europeans, took their cue from the Carib appellation, nana, and called it ananaz. To the Carib, the pineapple symbolised hospitality, and the Spaniards soon learned they were welcome if a pineapple was placed by the entrance to a village. For The Vintage Botanicals series of artwork combines antique images that are often hundreds of years old with newer elements, creating a nostalgic vision of beauty for your home and office. Art by Tina Lavoie. All rights reserved.