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