Source: Magness et al. 1971
The plant is a creeping tropical vine with thick stems which bear very large cut and perforated leaves, 2 to 3 feet long and equally broad. The fruit is up to 8 inches long, slender, with the rind consisting of hexagonal plates, the terminals of the individual berries in the multiple fruit. The fruit flavor is intermediate between pineapple and banana. A moist tropical climate is required for fruit production. Only scattered plants are found in the tropical parts of the United States.