Hummingbirds Accelerate Evolution of Pineapple Family, Study Finds

Hummingbirds are significantly speeding up the evolution of the pineapple family, according to a recent study conducted by scientists at the University of Reading. Published on July 6, 2026, in the Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, the research reveals that bromeliad plants, which include pineapples, develop into new species twice as fast when pollinated by hummingbirds compared to other pollinators.

Hummingbird Impact on Bromeliad Evolution

The research team examined pollination records from 403 types of bromeliads, discovering that approximately 75% of these plants are visited by hummingbirds. The findings indicate that hummingbird-pollinated bromeliads evolve at a rate of 2.77 species per million years, compared to 1.46 species per million years for those pollinated by bees, bats, or moths.

Lead author Elizabeth Forward, a Ph.D. researcher at the University of Reading, stated, "Bees and wasps were the first to pollinate bromeliads, the plant family that gave us the pineapple, but hummingbirds muscled in later... This swapping is still going on today." This evolutionary speed suggests that hummingbirds play a crucial role in the diversification of these plants.

The Unique Relationship Between Hummingbirds and Bromeliads

Pineapples are part of the bromeliad family, sharing common features like strappy leaves and flower spikes. However, unlike many other bromeliads that grow on trees, pineapples grow in the ground and produce large fruits. Hummingbirds rely on the sugary nectar of bromeliad flowers, transferring pollen as they feed. Over millions of years, bromeliads have adapted their flower shapes and colors to attract these birds.

• Hummingbirds visit 75% of bromeliad species.
• Hummingbird-pollinated plants evolve at 2.77 species per million years.
• Bees and wasps were the first pollinators of bromeliads.
• 81% of bromeliads are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss.

Risks to Hummingbird-Pollinated Bromeliads

Despite their evolutionary advantages, many bromeliads face significant threats. Approximately 81% of bromeliad species are potentially at risk of extinction due to habitat destruction and climate change. Similarly, 10% of hummingbird species are also endangered, with 60% experiencing population declines. The loss of hummingbirds could lead to the extinction of the bromeliads that depend on them for pollination.

Some bromeliads adapt by allowing multiple types of pollinators. About 1 in 6 plants in the study were pollinated by more than one group of animals, enhancing their chances of survival in a changing environment. The research provides a valuable foundation for ongoing studies into the bromeliad family as both hummingbirds and pollinators face uncertain futures.