Pandanus utilis

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

The common screwpine (Pandanus utilis) is, despite its name, a tropical tree and not a pine.^[1] It originated in Madagascar and Mauritius^[2] , and has been successfully grown by gardeners in Puerto Rico, Florida, and California.^[3]

The fruit of Pandanus utilis is edible, although not flavourful, to humans.^[4] It attracts mammals such as, in North America, squirrels.

The plant does not lose its leaves in the autumn, having come from a tropical region. The leaves are linear and spiny, with a spiral arrangement on the tree.^[5] Care must be taken when handling the leaves because of their sharp spines. An allergic reaction or skin irritation may occur to the one handling.^[6]

[edit] References

1. ^ Screw Pine, pandanus utilis. Tropical Plants Library Online. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
2. ^ Common Screwpine (Pandanus utilis). Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
3. ^ PlantFiles: Detailed information on Screw Pine Pandanus utilis. PlantFiles. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
4. ^ PANDANUS UTILIS (Spanish). Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
5. ^ Pandanus utilis: Screw-Pine. Electronic Data Information Source of University of Florida/IFAS Extension. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.
6. ^ PlantFiles: Detailed information on Screw Pine Pandanus utilis. PlantFiles. Retrieved on 2006-11-22.