Wow... drop-dead gorgeous bloom with a vivid red colored leaf blush! Wish I could help with a suggestion regarding the variety, but I couldn't even venture a guess.

Does your mother-in-law know the location of where the plant originated from? It 'might' help to narrow down the list of possible varieties. This will be an interesting post to follow.

She received it as a clipping (gift) from her nephew. The nephew got it from a neighbor in St. Pete Florida I think.

It is a pineapple...and I can't find any pictures on line that identify the type of pineapple. Or to confirm it is a pineapple.

Wow, that is a beautiful bloom.

Sorry but it is not a pineapple but a Bromelia.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bromelia

^ Right on the money - great answer turtlewalker!

Bromelia Balansae ('Heart O Flame')?

This post was edited by o2tiller on Tue, Jun 4, 13 at 18:19