Pandanus tectorius

Pandanus tectorius

Pandanus tectorius is a species of the genus of screw pines (Pandanus ) in the family of screw pine plants ( Pandanaceae ). The first description of Sydney C. Parkinson was published in 1774. A synonym is Pandanus veitchii mast. & T. Moore. The species is widespread in the tropical islands of the Pacific, among other things, it is only kind of form- rich genus Pandanus, which is considered indigenous to Hawaii. In Hawaii, the tree " Hala " is called.

Description

Pandanus tectorius is an evergreen plant that develops one to about 6 meters, and sometimes up to 10 meters tall stem. The plant develops a wide spreading crown with a diameter of about 5 to 12 meters. She trains stilt roots, which increases their stability. The sword-shaped leaves are 90-150 cm long and 5-7 cm wide. The leaves are sharp-edged and reinforced at the edge and along the midrib with individual spines. But there are also cultivated forms without spike reinforcement. The leaves are spirally arranged.

Pandanus tectorius is dioecious ( dioecious ). In male trees grapes are formed with a plurality of small, fragrant male flowers on cream white large bracts. On female trees, 20 to 30 cm large pineapple -like fruits collection form. The multiple fruits are edible.

Also in the logs, there are differences between male and female specimens: Male specimens have over the entire cross section of a hard, woody tissue; in female strains only the outer regions are lignified hard, while the center is soft and fibrous. After removal of the soft parts of these strains were formerly used as water pipes.

Dissemination

The home of Pandanus tectorius extends from northern Australia and Indonesia over large parts of the islands of the Pacific to Hawaii. The original distribution is not known; it is believed that the Polynesians have the kind widespread as a cultivated plant.

Today, the species is in other parts of the world in culture, such as India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar and the Philippines.

Use

The leaves are added to some dishes such as Kaya as a spice; they should also be medically effective. The leaves were formerly used among other things to the roof covering; Today they are still processed into various wattle. Were from narrow strips of leaf and blankets, fans, sandals, baskets, etc. produced ( in Hawaii: Lauhala ), today especially for tourists.

The edible fruit associations be enjoyed raw or cooked.

Swell

• P. Schütt, U. Lang: Pandanus tectorius, in: Peter Schütt et al.: Trees of the tropics. Nikol, Hamburg 2006, pp. 473-477. ISBN 978-3-933203-79-3
• Short description Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database at (English )