Pitcairnia pungens var. pungens Kunth
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- OBSERVATIONS. P. pungens is very widespread in the Callejon Interandino and ravines on both slopes of the Andes. Generally it forms dense groups in areas where agriculture is impossible, such as ravines, cliffs, vertical walls, or roadsides. During the summer it loses its leaves; after flowering, the growth of new leaves begins with the first rains. The bulbs at the base store carbohydrates needed for the growth of new leaves.
Investigations made by Carlos Ceron, in the province of Azuay, discovered that the common name (vernacular name) for P. pungens is "sarakigua." The indigenous people boil the bulbous base and leaves, making a tea that alleviates coughs. In the province of Cotopaxi, it is used as a food and as forage for domestic animals. In Loja, it is used as a cleansing agent, by making infusions with the leaves. Five cups are drunk before eating, usually before breakfast. —See Manzanares 2005
