Pandanus sp.

Screw-pines

Family Pandanaceae

Pandanus sp., screw pines (Pan. sp 1), are dioecious trees and shrubs, mainly occurring on seacoasts, with the greatest number in the Indian Ocean and western Pacific. The branched stems usually bear conspicuous stilt roots. (Pan. sp 3). The long and parallel veined leaves, usually with thorns, appear to run in spirals towards the tip of the branches. The flowers are sessile, in compact heads, the male ones with numerous stamens, female ones with one to several carpels. The fruit is a massive syncarp, resembling a pineapple (Pan. sp 2).

Use
The young fruits and seeds of some species are edible. The male inflorescence is used in perfumery, especially in India. The leaves are used for thatching, and for making mats, bags, baskets, hats, etc. Fibres from the stilt roots are used for cordage.