Pandanus spiralis

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Pandanus spiralis
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Pandanales
Family: Pandanaceae
Genus: Pandanus
Species: P. spiralis
Binomial name
Pandanus spiralis

The screw palm or pandanus tree (Pandanus spiralis) is an Australian plant that is not a true palm.[1] It bears a large, pineapple-like fruit that turns red when ripe. It has spined leaves in a spiral arrangement.

Pandanus spiralis' leaves can be used to weave neckbands and armbands.[2] The fibre of the leaves can be used as string for dillybags.[3] The Burarra people use the plant to make fish traps.[4] Other uses include baskets, mats, and shelters.[5] In addition, mashed leaves can be used to cure headaches when tied around the head.[6]

Up to 10 metres in height, Pandanus spiralis grows in the northern territory and extreme north of western Australia. It can dwell along brooks and rivers or on beaches or coastal dunes.[7]

Opossums as well as many birds take advantage of the spiny leaves by living in the tree for protection. They favour its fruit. Humans can extract the fruit's seeds, grounding them into flour.[8]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Screw Palm. Australian Trees.
  2. ^ Pandanus armband. Uw Oykangand and Uw Olkola Multimedia Dictionary. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
  3. ^ Pandanus. Uw Oykangand and Uw Olkola Multimedia Dictionary. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
  4. ^ New Page 1. Top End Native Plant Society. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
  5. ^ Pandanus. PhotographyTips.com. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
  6. ^ screw palm. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
  7. ^ Pandanus spiralis (German). Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
  8. ^ Flora and Fauna. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
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