Pineapple

Ananas comosus

Role: Ground layer income crop and soil cover

Spacing: 4 plants around each non-cocoa tree seedling

Benefits: Fruit within 18-24 months; shade tolerant; improves soil cover and reduces erosion; minimal vertical competition with cocoa; enhances land use efficiency in understory space

Planting notes: Source suckers from naturally growing plants where possible for better shade resistance. Avoid waterlogged areas. Weed regularly around plants. Mulch with dried pineapple leaves or cocoa husks to retain moisture.