කටු අන්නාසි/වැට අන්නාසි[Katu Annasi/Weta Annasi] (Bromelia pinguin)

Native plant of West Indies and South America, introduced to Sri Lanka probably before 1864 (Flora of Ceylon Vol 14). Katu Annasi is grown in coconut estates and home gardens as a fence plant since its spiny margin leaves stop intrusion of cattle and human. Fruit edible and flowering occurs mainly during March to June.  It is common in Gampaha and Nittabuwa areas where above pictures were also taken.