Originating from South America, it was distributed during Columbus' voyages to Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Currently, it is also widespread throughout all tropical and subtropical regions. Red Pineapple (Copperleaf) is generally grown as an ornamental plant and a traditional medicinal plant, and it possesses fibers that can be used for fabric making. Its fruit can be eaten but is less fleshy.

Grows in tropical and subtropical climates, with full sunlight (6 hours or more), moderate soil moisture, moist soil, good drainage, and a temperature of 16 °C.

• Root: Taproot, brown color.

• Stem: Erect, woody, round, smooth, hairy twigs, sympodial branching.

• Leaves: Simple (single), alternate arrangement, oblong shape, serrated margin, pointed tip, speckled (spotted), pinnate venation, cream-green or red color, hairy, shapes range from flat to curved.

• Flower: Compound inflorescence, spike shape, bisexual (hermaphroditic), small cup-shaped calyx, green color, usually hidden behind the leaves.

• Fruit: Three-chambered capsule, hairy, red color.

• Seed: Kidney-shaped, black.

• Propagation: Generatively (seeds) and vegetatively (stem cuttings).

• Cuttings Method: Akalifa is an easy-to-grow plant. Stem cuttings should ideally be planted in a pot that is twice the width of the length of the roots that form.

Antidiabetic, antibacterial, remedy for diarrhea, gastrointestinal tract infection, skin fungal infection, muscle aches and stiffness (pegal linu), lowers fever, hypertension, treats bloody cough, mouth ulcers (canker sores), rheumatism, inflammation, and swelling.

Saponins, flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, alkaloids, corilagin, gallic acid, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, steroids, phlobatannins, geraniin, phytate, terpenoids.