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Top left: Male inflorescence. photo: C. Elevitch Top right: Female inflorescence. photo: C. Elevitch Bottom: Fruit heads
comprise an aggregate of many tightly bunched wedge-shaped phalanges or drupes; these are also called “keys,” as removing
one will allow the rest to come apart easily. photos: L. Thomson
Bark
The bark is grayish- or reddish-brown, smooth/flaky, with
characteristic undulating leaf scars and rows of prickles.
Rooting habit
The root system of pandanus plants is dominated by thick,
slightly spreading prop roots originating from the lower
part (1–1.5 m [3.3–5 ft]) of the trunk. The prop roots pen
etrate and are mainly concentrated in the surface soil layers.
In some plants, there may be a few aerial roots hanging
vertically from branches.
cultivated in near-coastal locations in the Pacific islands which is oblique to vertical on the distal, outer face of the
and are sometimes confused with the P. tectorius complex. phalange apex, compared with apical on carpel summit in
Pandanus dubius Sprengler grows in coastal forests, in P. tectorius. The multiple fruit heads are subglobose to el
cluding beaches and rocky shores in Southeast Asia and lipsoid, up to 25 cm long by 22 cm diameter (10 x 9 in),
the Western Pacific region, including Palau, Northern and the basal section of the phalange is bright red when
Marianas, Guam (local name pahong), Kiribati (local name mature.
tekaureiko), Federated States of Micronesia (local names
mweng kaki, kipar-n-ai), Papua New Guinea, Solomon
Islands, Vanuatu, and Rotuma. It is occasionally cultivated GENETICS
for its edible seeds and thick leaves for basket making and
floor mats. It is distinguished from P. tectorius by its long
Variability of species
penducles, 60–80 cm (24–32 in) in length, and large, white, Pandanus tectorius is a geographically widespread and an
edible, and tasty rounded seeds (1–1.5 cm [0.4–0.6 in] in exceptionally morphologically variable species or species
diameter) situated at the base of the phalange. Its trunk is complex. Female plants within a geographically localized
covered with sharp prickles (lenticels), and the roots are population, such as on the same stretch of beach, may ex
covered in vertical rows of lenticels. hibit distinctively different fruit characteristics (fruit shape
and size, number of phalanges per fruit, phalange shape,
Pandanus whitmeeanus Martelli is a female clone that
color, size, texture, nutrient content, carpel number, shape
probably originated in Vanuatu. It is now widely cultivated
and appearance, edibility, taste, seed shape, etc.). Such
near sea level in swampy, grassy areas in Fiji, Wallis and
variants have sometimes been described as different spe
Futuna, Samoa, Tonga, and the Cook Islands for its leaves,
cies, but in a biological sense they are part of the same in
which are used to make fine mats and handicrafts. It is
terbreeding population and, furthermore, it is not possible
distinguished from P. tectorius by the position of its stigma,
Left: Typical littoral forest community including beach heliotrope (Tournefortia argentea) and beach she-oak (Casuarina
equisetifolia), Houma, Tongatapu, Tonga. photo: L. Thomson Right: Pandanus often grows on shorelines exposed to salt spray
and wind, ‘Upolu, Samoa. photo: C. Elevitch
Growing area
PROPAGATION During the wet season, cuttings may be planted out into
their final position in the field, usually in full sun (or up
The tree is mainly grown from branch cuttings, as plants de
to about 25–30% shade). In Kiribati, depending on type of
rived from seeds do not usually reproduce the same qualities
cutting material and other factors, one or more of the fol
of the parental plant. Numerous cultivated traditional vari
lowing practices may be adopted to increase rooting and
eties (or clones) exist on atolls; most have been selected for
improve survival and growth:
their superior edible fruit qualities and are propagated from
cuttings. The wild varieties reproduce from seed in their na • Planted cuttings in a swamp taro pit until roots de
tive habitats and are preferred for timber due to their longer, velop.
straighter boles. • Plant cuttings late in the afternoon on rainy days (and
during the new moon phase).
Propagation by branch cuttings • Water cuttings daily during prolonged dry spells and
Propagule collection during dry season.
Branch cutting material is carefully selected; typically, • Include organic matter (especially coconut husks) and
shorter laterals including one or more aerial or prop roots rusty cans in the planting hole.
are chosen. The length of cuttings is about 30–40 cm (12–16 • Mulch with dried leaves of pandanus, coconut, and
in). breadfruit.
Where early fruiting is desired, the practice in Kiribati is High survival and rooting of cuttings is likely to be achieved
to select branches already with fruits for cuttings. Prior to in shade houses with low to intermediate shade levels (up
planting, the existing flowers/fruit are removed. to 50%) and enhanced with misting and/or regular water
ing.
Propagule processing
The leaf area is reduced by about 70% by cutting and trim
ming the leaves.
Left: Propagation of pandanus seedlings in Forestry Division Nursery, Vava‘u, Tonga. Right: Volunteer seedling ready for
transplanting. photos: L. Thomson
Growing area
Phalanges may be sown directly into their final location or
propagated in full sun (or part shade) in a nursery. Direct
sowing is a less expensive method and would generally be
preferred, except where seed is in short supply or planting
sites are weedy and/or subject to disturbance or burning.
Germination
One source recommends planting phalanges at a depth of
two times their diameter (NTBG 1996), and another rec
ommends removing the fleshy part of the key, laying it on
the planting medium, and burying it half-way (Bornhorst Pandanus planted in understory of mixed garden, American
2005). Seedlings usually germinate within 4–10 weeks when Samoa. photo: C. Elevitch
intact phalanges are planted in moist soil/sand. Up to eight
shoots (individual seedlings) may emerge from a single pha DISADVANTAGES
lange, and many or all may survive, aided by the initially
semi-prostrate growth habit, which reduces crowding. It may be hard to obtain planting stock of preferred variet
ies of pandanus in significant quantities. To obtain edible
Media/containers fruits, vegetative propagation is necessary. Also, cuttings
A well drained, sandy, or coralline medium is recommend are best taken only after the fruits of a tree have been har
ed. Larger sized plastic bags, e.g., 15–20 cm (6–8 in) diam vested. There may be a lag of several to many years before
eter, are preferable. planting stock can be bulked up for large-scale plantings.
A further drawback is the difficulty of moving preferred
Time to outplanting varieties between islands and countries, due to the tech
nical difficulties of either producing apomitic seed and/or
The nursery duration period is not especially critical for
the logistical and quarantine issues associated with moving
pandanus seedlings. It is recommended that plants be field
planting stock in the form of large branch cuttings. Breed
planted when they are about 4–12 months old.
ing for improved sex-specific traits, such as edible or per
Approximate size at time of outplanting fumed fruits, is problematic in a dioecious species, with
separate male and female plants.
The approximate height at outplanting is 30–40 cm (12–16
in).
Potential for invasiveness
Guidelines for outplanting This species naturally colonizes and spreads into beach and
Seedling survival will normally be very high, except for littoral plant communities throughout much of the Pacific
mortality arising from extreme events such as erosion by islands (where it is highly valued for providing diverse prod
tidal surge for beachside plantings, or wildfire. ucts and services). It has a low potential for invasiveness
beyond its natural habitats. Non-preferred genotypes, such
In atoll environments the following factors are consid
as those resulting from volunteer seedlings, are sometimes
ered important for healthy growth and fruit yields of
considered weeds and cut down.
pandanus:
• Avoid planting in swampy areas. Diseases and pests
• Provide windbreaks during establishment phase. The most important pests in the central Pacific are sap
• Roots of other plants close to the base of the plant sucking mealybugs that may weaken plants. Rats and her
should be cut to increase yields. mit crabs may feed on green and ripe fruits. In general,
• Apply ash from cooking fires (at rate of one coconut pandanus appears to suffer only minor damage from pests
shell-full) around base of mature specimens. and diseases. There is a serious scale affecting pandanus
forests in Hana and the entire east Maui region in Hawai‘i;
this pest was first noticed in the early 1990s and is spread
AGROFORESTRY/ENVIRONMENTAL
PRACTICES
The plants provide a wide range of environmental services,
including control of coastal erosion; windbreak, including
protection of food crops from salt spray; improvement of
soil fertility and organic matter levels; shade for humans;
and shelter and nesting sites for birds.
Mulch/organic matter
On atoll islands of Micronesia all parts of pandanus may
In many areas, pandanus forms dense stands, such as here in be used for production of compost, as well as in mulching
Kaneohe, Hawai‘i. photo: C. Elevitch and raising fertility and organic matter levels in sandy, cor
alline soils. In Kiribati pandanus leaves are used for mulch
ing along the coast. Leaves are yellowing and trees are now ing in giant swamp taro pits.
in very poor health.
Recorded arthropod pests include Aspidiotus destructor Soil stabilization
(coconut scale), Aspidiotus nerii (oleander scale), Graef- When grown on the seaward slopes and crests of frontal
fea crouanii (coconut phasmid), Oryctes rhinoceros (coco dunes, pandanus helps to bind the sand and prevent wind
nut rhinoceros beetle), Pinnaspis strachani (hibiscus snow erosion.
scale), Pseudococcus giffardi, and Pseudococcus perforatus
(mealybugs). Crop shade/overstory
Pandanus is rarely used as crop shade as the crown is low,
In northern New South Wales (Australia) dieback
interfering with tending of crops, and the asymmetrical
of Pandanus species is caused by an infestation of the
branch habit results in variable, often heavy, shade levels.
pandanus planthopper (Jamella australiae). The insects pro
duce a sticky substance called honeydew, which encourages Alley cropping
mold growth. This makes leaves drop and kills the tree’s
Due to its size and habit, the species has good potential
growing points, eventually causing death of the tree. In its
for inclusion in alley cropping systems, especially in near-
native habitats in North Queensland, Jamella is controlled
coastal sites where it can act as a low to mid-level wind
by natural predators, including wasps.
break.
Recorded fungal species on pandanus include Asteromella
sp., Coniothyrium pandani, Dothidella pandani, Glomerella Homegardens
sp., Lembosia pandani, Macrophoma pandani, Melanconium Pandanus is commonly planted in homegardens in coast
pandani, Melanconium sp., Meliola juttingii, Microcyclus al areas, because of its ornamental appeal, hardiness, and
pandani, Oxydothis pandani, Phomatospora cylindrotheca, ability to provide a wide range of products, including leaf
Phomatospora pandani, and Volutellaria fuliginea. Recorded material for weaving into everyday products, edible fruits,
nematodes include Helicotylenchus dihystera. Erwinia caro- flowers for perfume, and traditional medicines.
tovora subsp. carotovora has been recorded as a bacterial
disease of Pandanus. Living fences
Pandanus is commonly planted along fence lines and as
Host to crop pests/pathogens a boundary marker, especially in near-coastal sites with
Pandanus is a host for several insect pests of coconut (see sandy soils.
above).
Windbreaks
Other disadvantages or design considerations When established at close spacing on or near the crests of
Members of the kochi group of Aedes (Finlaya) mosquito beach frontal dunes, pandanus plants function as a wind
species breed almost exclusively in leaf axils, such as those break, protecting less tolerant dune plants from the dam
aging effects of salt-laden winds. Pandanus is often planted plant and is a useful species for planting on exposed frontal
as a windbreak in atolls to protect crops from salt spray. dunes that have already been partly stabilized against wind
erosion.
Silvopasture
Pandanus is recorded as providing fodder for animals such Ornamental
as pigs and horses. Pandanus is widely planted as an ornamental in home
gardens, especially as a boundary along front fences in Pa
Woodlot cific islands. Both female and male plants have ornamental
The plant is sometimes grown in block configurations for
production of leaves for weaving. When these plantations
have matured and are no longer producing high yields of
easily harvested leaves, they can be harvested for timber. STORIES AND LORE
Pandanus is one of the Pacific’s must useful plants and
Native animal/bird food is featured prominently in Micronesian and Polyne
The fruits are eaten and dispersed by crabs, birds, and fruit sian creation mythology, cosmogony, proverbs, riddles,
bats. songs, chants, and sayings (e.g., Grimble 1933-34,
Thaman and Whistler 1996, Meilleur et al. 1997, Na
Wildlife habitat take and Kairo 2002, Kayser 2002). For example, one
Pandanus provides nest sites for birds, especially in atolls. legend in Kiribati tells of a man from Makin Atoll
who awoke from death and asked that the ‘Teara
Bee Forage bukitaba’ variety of pandanus be planted (Englberger
Honeybees have been observed foraging on female flowers 2004). A legend from the Marshall Islands describes
and fruits. how two people from Bikini Atoll stole the fruit of
the variety ‘Robijen’, and how they went to Kwajalein
Fish/marine food chain
Atoll and stole pandanus fruit of the ‘Anberia’ variety
Pandanus undoubtedly provides benefits for marine eco (Downing et al. 1992). Another legend tells of a tra
systems and food chains, through its role in beach protec ditional leader’s young infant, who was washed away
tion and stabilization. to another island by a big wave; parts of the legend
mention pandanus, including a game using pandanus
Coastal protection
sticks and the woven mat used for burial woven from
The tree is tolerant of foliar salt spray, sand blasting, ex pandanus leaves. These stories emphasize the cultural
posure to strong winds, and high levels of solar radiation. importance of pandanus and illustrate the specific use
It is considered to be a secondary sand dune colonizing of variety names.
Left: A village leader in Mand Village, Pohnpei, displays an open bunch of the cultivar ‘Aspwihrek’, prized among Pingelapese
for its edible fruit. photo: A. Levendusky. Right: A key of the edible cultivar ‘Enewedak’ is happily held by a boy in the Pinge-
lapese village of Mand, Pohnpei. photo: L. Englberger
Left: Drying pandanus fruit paste in the sun, Kiribati. photo: L. Thomson Right: Roll of preserved fruit paste , as traditionally
packaged in pandanus leaves, Marshall Islands. photo: L. Englberger
Animal fodder
Leaves, particularly young leaves, are recorded
as providing fodder for domestic animals such
as pigs and horses.
This photograph, taken around 1897, shows the huge size of preserved
pandanus rolls as presented to the chiefs in the Marshall Islands. source: Masticant/stimulant
Kraemer 1906
Male pandanus flowers have been credited with
contain higher provitamin A carotenoid levels. The fruit aphrodisiac properties in Marshall Islands.
of these varieties has considerable potential for alleviat Beautiful/fragrant flowers
ing vitamin A deficiency in Micronesia (Englberger et al.
The highly fragrant male flowers are widely used for deco
2003). As carotenoid-rich food may protect against diabe
ration.
tes, heart disease, and cancer, the consumption of pandanus
may also alleviate these serious emerging problems of the Timber
Pacific. Pandanus fruit is also a useful source of vitamin C
The stems are used in house construction and also for
(ascorbic acid), thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin (vitamin B-
making ladders, especially on atoll islands. Male trees have
3) (Murai et al. 1958, Miller et al. 1956).
hard, solid trunks with a yellow interior containing dark
The fruit of wild forms of pandanus contains oxalate crys brown fiber bundles. The male wood is very strong, but
tals that irritate the mouth unless broken down by cooking. brittle, meaning that it can suddenly break under a heavy
The ripe fruit of wild forms may be consumed following load. It is also a difficult wood to split. Trunks of female
cooking and straining the pericarp, but they are not espe trees are hard on the outside, but soft, pithy, or juicy in the
cially palatable or sweet. interior (Little and Skolmen 1989). Slats made from the
clean, dried aerial/prop roots are used for walls of houses
Nut/seed
and food cupboards.
The small seeds of a few varieties of P. tectorius are eaten. A
similar species, P. dubius, has larger seeds that are eaten. Fuelwood
In the northern Pacific, the discarded, dried keys are highly
Beverage/drink/tea
prized as fuelwood for cooking because they are slow burn
Juice pressed from the fruits is sweet and slightly acid with ing and therefore preferred for barbecues. The trunk and
a pungent flavor (Miller et al. 1956). It is being produced branches are occasionally used as fuelwood where other
commercially in the Marshall Islands. fuelwood is scarce, such as on atolls.
Medicinal Craft wood/tools
Pandanus is a very important medicinal plant, with cer The wood has many craft uses, such as headrests/pillows,
tain varieties sometimes preferred for particular treatments. vases, and as an aid for string making and extracting coco
Leaves, especially the basal white section of young leaves, nut cream. It was formerly used to make weapons (lances
and roots are used. In Kiribati, pandanus leaves are used and batons). When the flesh is removed from the inner
in treatments for cold/flu, hepatitis, dysuria, asthma, boils, end of a dried key, fibrous bristles are exposed. The bristle
Tannin/dye
A black dye used in weaving is prepared from the roots
in Kiribati. Charcoal from pandanus was used in various
mixtures to dye and waterproof canoes; the beaten aerial
root tips were used to apply the mixtures.
Canoe/boat/raft making
The trunk of one variety in the Marshall Islands is used to
make the masts of traditional canoes. In Hawai‘i pandanus
leaves were the traditionally main material for making ca
noe sails (Meilleur et al. 1997).
Fiber/weaving/clothing
In many Pacific countries pandanus leaves are used to
weave traditional items of attire, including mats for wear
ing around the waist in Tonga, as well as hats and various
types of baskets.
Rope/cordage/string
The roots are made into skipping ropes and basket handles.
String or cordage is made from the cleaned and dried prop
roots.
Wrapping/parcelization
The leaves are used to wrap tobacco/cigarettes in Micro
nesia.
Thatch/roofing/mats
Pandanus leaves are used to weave traditional floor mats
in many Pacific countries, as well as in the construction of
traditional houses (thatch for walls and roofing). A roof
made from pandanus leaves is said to last about 15 years,
while one of coconut leaves may last only 3 years (Little
and Skolmen 1989).
Resin/gum/glue/latex
Top: Thatch wall. Bottom: House side panel made of
The trunk is a source of glue or caulking for canoes. pandanus slats. photos: L. Thomson
Cosmetic/soap/perfume Other
Male flowers picked from uncultivated pandanus are used In Kiribati and the Marshall Islands the leaves are formed
alone or in combination with other flowers to perfume into a ball for use in a kicking game. The trunks of female
coconut oil in Polynesia. An exquisite, uniquely Pacific trees are hard on the outside but soft or juicy in the inte
perfume is made from the aromatic fruits of selected tra rior. The female trunks have been used as water pipes after
ditional cultivated varieties in the Cook Islands. In South removing the soft interior (Little and Skolmen 1989).
and Southeast Asia, the male flowers and preparations
derived from them are used to scent clothes and incorpo
rated into cosmetics, soaps, hair oils, and incense sticks. In URBAN AND COMMUNITY
Hawai‘i, the male flowers were used to scent tapa. FORESTRY
Ceremonial/religious importance Pandanus has a striking appearance and is very suitable
for planting in urban areas. As an ornamental, pandanus
Pandanus is sometimes considered to have supernatural
is as characteristic of the lowland tropics as coconut but
and magical properties in parts of Micronesia and Hawai‘i.
does not have coconut’s dangerous large falling fruits and
In Kiribati it may be used as a ceremonial food, while in
fronds. The tree is salt, wind, and drought tolerant, and
Indonesia the male flowers are used in ceremonies.
requires little care.
Left: Variegated plant, Ho‘omaluhia Botanical Garden, Kaneohe, Hawai‘i. Right: Growing in mixed garden together with cit-
rus and breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis) at 460 m (1500 ft) elevation, Kona, Hawai‘i. photos: C. Elevitch
Life span
The tree typically lives 20–80 years and can live over 100
years. Individual trees selected for desirable qualities can
be vegetatively propagated to extend their lives indefinitely.
In some atoll environments the productive fruiting life of
cultivars may be only 20–25 years, and regular replanting is
needed to maintain good yields of larger fruits.
Birds/wildlife
Pandanus is used as a nesting tree for certain birds, includ Different fruit types. Top: ‘Antinakarewe’ (Kiribati). Middle:
ing seabirds such as noddy terns. Unnamed variety (Kiribati). Bottom: ‘Fala‘hola’ (Tonga).
photos: L. Thomson
Plant from which leaves have been harvested. Paongo variety Drying leaves. Ha‘apai, Tonga. photo: L. Thomson
(syn. P. whitmeeanus), Vava‘u, Tonga. photo: L. Thomson
Soaking leaves in sea water. Kie variety (syn. P. spurious), Weaving of mat, Butaritari, Kiribati. photo: L. Thomson
Ha‘apai, Tonga. photo: L. Thomson
Genetic resources
where collections exist
In Kiribati, the Division of Agriculture (Min
istry of Environment, Lands and Agricultural
Development), with support from SPC/FAO/
SPRIG/USP, has established a field gene bank
of traditional Pandanus tectorius varieties. The
gene bank is located in Bikenibeu South, South
Tarawa, and included more than 60 varieties in
2003. It is strongly recommended that other Pa
cific island nations undertake similar programs
to conserve pandanus diversity and the under
lying cultural knowledge that has fostered and
maintained this diversity. The National Tropical
Botanical Garden maintains a modest collection
of Pandanus species and cultivars at its Allerton
and McBryde Gardens on Kaua‘i, Hawai‘i. A
small genebank of nine varieties of pandanus
from Pohnpei atolls have been planted at the
Pilot Farm collection in Pohnpei, FSM. A list
of morphological descriptors has been devel
oped by the SPRIG project.
INTERNET
Access to selected papers and color photographs:
<http://www.islandfood.org>.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
(☛ indicates recommended reading) Top: Boundary planting of pandanus around mixed agroforest, Tongatapu,
Tonga. photo: C. Elevitch Bottom: Woven basket of pandanus leaves in
Abbott, I.A. 1992. Lā‘au Hawai‘i—Traditional
which fertilizer and mulch is placed around the bases of the largest cer-
Hawaiian Uses of Plants. Bishop Museum emonial giant swamp taro plants. photo: R. Thaman
Press, Honolulu.
Aboriginal Communities of the Northern Ter of Economic Botany, New York Botanical Garden, New
ritory of Australia. 1988. Traditional Bush Medicines: An York.
Aboriginal Pharmacopoeia. Greenhouse Publications, Ash, J. 1987. Demography, dispersal and production of
Northern Territory of Australia. Pandanus tectorius (Pandanaceae) in Fiji. Australian Jour
Adam, I.E., M.J. Balick, and R.A. Lee. 2003. Useful Plants nal of Botany 35(3): 313–330.
of Pohnpei: A Literature Survey and Database. Institute