Pandanus spiralis

Pandanus spiralis
Pandanus spiralis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Monocots
Order:	Pandanales
Family:	Pandanaceae
Genus:	Pandanus
Species:	P. spiralis
Binomial name
Pandanus spiralis

Pandanus spiralis is shrub or small tree up to 10 metres in height native to northern Australia. It is found growing in the wild in northern West Bengal and Sikkim regions of India. It is commonly called screw pine, pandanus palm or screw palm despite being neither a true palm, 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. 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 also favour its fruit. P. spiralis' leaves can be used to weave neckbands and armbands. The fibre of the leaves can be used as string for dillybags. Other uses include baskets, mats, and shelters. In addition, mashed leaves can be used to cure headaches when tied around the head. The Burarra people use the plant to make fish traps.

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

Gallery

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  Fallen fruit of Pandanus spiralis

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  Pandanus spiralis growing on a Coastal cliff