There are more than 600 species of Pandanus or Screw Pine, a member of the Pandanaceae family, genus monocots, in the tropics. Species vary in size from small bushes, less than 1 meter in height, up to medium-sized trees, 20 meters in height, commonly with a average growth rate.

The Pandanus trees are found both on the sea-coasts, well adjusted to seaside conditions and on higher altitudes in the distant parts of the world. There are male and female trees and alone female trees develop fruit.

Pandanus is much in use by natives. The leaves are employed for all sorts of wavered things and the nuts are a good food source. The fruit of numerous Pandanus species are edible. Many of these tropic places rely on the tree for food, shelter, fiber with which to weave, fabric material, sails for their boats, make paper to write on, bags to transport things, floral decorations, medicinal remedies, and wizardly uses at ceremonial occasions.

The foliage are strap-shaped, varying between species from 30 centimeters up to 2 meters or more in length, and from 1.5 centimeters up to 10 centimeters in width. Male and female blossoms are produced on different trees. The flowers of the male tree are 2-3 centimeters long and sweet-scented. Only female trees develop fruit.

The fruit is globular and has a good deal of seeds crowded into the case. The fruit resembles a pineapple or a fir cone and its size varies from 3cm to 55cm or more. Fruit changes from unripe green to vivid orange or red as it matures.

Natives of the Pacific region consume the fruit and the expressed oil from the nuts is use for cooking, medicament, lubricants, and as paint. Fruit pulp is utilized to flavor fruit-based deserts and sweet sauces, and in making preserves, including jams and relish. The pulp is high in beta-carotene (pro-vitamin A)

The nuts can be consumed either raw or smoke-dried. The formula of smoking is elementary. First of all the fruit is cut in half. Every last woody pith is got rid of and the tough fibrous exterior or shell is cast away.

Next the nuts are cleansed and hung up from the rafters in the house just above the fire where there's a quite a lot of smoke from the every day cooking. The nuts get smoke-cured over time by just hanging up there. The smoke-cured nuts could be kept for a year if needed and is a staple.

The most over sized fruits are encountered in New Guinea. The natives name them Mongo. The Mongo is almost 55cm long and 40cm in diameter and weighs 15 to 25kg.

Typically Pandanus favors a frost free, full sun conditions and well-drained soils. Although a small tree in height, they have a wide crown and a wide-branching trunk and ideally should be allowed up to 6 m. of unobstructed space to fan out.

It could take up to 20 years for female trees to produce the fruit, but is well worthy as the tree is stunningly ornamental. Mulch, water and light fertilize with organic-style fertilizer for tree establishment.

pandanus, screw pine

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The key to successful fruit and nut production is the provision of a beneficial environment for the trees that bear them.