SCREW PINE PANDANUS, Pandanus tectorius

Uses:

Screw pine is a multi-use plant. The spectacular large compound orange fruit has wedge-shaped segments with a fleshy portion with a strong fruity flavour - excellent for use in cooking. The screw pine fruit pulp is used to flavor fruit-based deserts and sweet sauces, and is also used in preserves, including jams and chutneys. The screw pine fruit is also high in beta-carotene and can help to prevent vitamin A deficiency. Seeds can also be eaten after roasting.

The leaf fibre is used traditionally to make string and in basketry.  Leaf shoots and root tips are also used as traditional medicines. Screw pine tree is also a very ornamental plant, well suited to backyard gardens as a feature tree.

Plant description and habitat:

Screw pine grows naturally from Townsville, Qld, to Port Macquarie, NSW. A small tree up to 6 m. in height and 6 m. wide, with a leaves (90-150 cm long, 5-8 cm wide) spiraling out from the central growing shoot. It has unique aerial prop roots that emerge from the trunk to support the tree as it grows. Screw pine grows naturally by the sea, and is well adapted to seaside conditions. There are male and female trees, with only female trees producing the fruit. The entire fruit is about 25 cm across, and resembles a pineapple.

Cultivation:

Screw pine is adaptable to a range of situations, including sites away from the coast. Generally preferring frost free, full sun conditions and well-drained soils - avoiding poorly drained soils. Mulch, water and light feeding with slow release organic-style fertilizer for tree establishment. Allow plenty of room for your screw pine to grow - although a small tree in height, they have a broad crown, and ideally should be given up to 6 m. of unimpeded space to spread out.

It can take up to 20 years for female trees to produce the fruit, but is well worth it as the tree is a spectacular ornamental. To ensure that there is female and male trees for pollination, plant at least three seedling trees, but planting a group of five is also ideal if you have the space.

Screw pine can be subject to dieback from planthopper (Jamella australiae) insect infestation. However, Daley’s Fruit Tree Nursery stock is free of this insect pest due to our distance from established coastal specimens. 

175mm | $22.75 AU | Seeking Propagation Material |

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Updated: 3rd of July, 2008 at 3:43pm © Disclaimer/Privacy/Copyright