Pandanus

Pandanus is a genus of monocots with some 750 accepted species. They are palm-like, dioecious trees and shrubs native to the Old World tropics and subtropics.

Description

Commonly called pandan (/ˈpændən/), the plants are of great cultural value in the Pacific, where they are used for textile, mat weaving, and basket making. The fruit is also used in cooking for its flavor.

Distribution

Pandanus trees are found from West Africa through to the Pacific, with the highest species diversity in Malesia and the Pacific Islands.

Species

Species include the Pandanus amaryllifolius, Pandanus odoratissimus, and Pandanus tectorius. The type species is Pandanus tectorius.

Uses

The leaves of the Pandanus tree are used for weaving mats and baskets. The fruit is used in cooking for its flavor.

See also

• Pandanus amaryllifolius
• Pandanus odoratissimus
• Pandanus tectorius

External links

• Britannica: Pandanus

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  Pandanus utilis fruit
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  Pandanus species
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  Pandanus repens artwork
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  Pandanus simplex is karagumoy