Pandanus spiralis

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

A shrub or small tree up to 10 metres in height native to northern Australia. Commonly called screw pine, pandanus palm or screw palm despite being neither a true palm^[1], nor a pine.

Pandanus spiralis grows in Queensland, The Northern Territory and extreme north of Western Australia. The plant is most commonly found growing along watercourses or coastal fringes and dune systems^[2] It has spined leaves in a spiral arrangement. Wildlife including birds take advantage of the spiny leaves by living in the tree for protection. They favour its fruit. P. spiralis' leaves can be used to weave neckbands and armbands.^[3] The fibre of the leaves can be used as string for dillybags.^[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]. The Burarra people use the plant to make fish traps.^[7]

The plant bears a large, pineapple-like fruit that turns red when ripe. Humans can extract the fruit's seeds, grinding them into flour.^[8]

[edit] Gallery

Fallen fruit of Pandanus spiralis

Pandanus spiralis growing on a Coastal cliff

[edit] References

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