Family: Pandanaceae
Author: R.Br.
Bibliography: Prodr. Fl. Nov. Holland.: 341 (1810)
Year: 1810
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Pandanus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: N. Australia
Description
Screw-pine, known scientifically as Pandanus spiralis, is a distinctive and fascinating plant native to Northern Australia. It was first cataloged in 1810 in the Prodromus Florae Novae Hollandiae et Insulae Van-Diemen, with Robert Brown being the authoritative botanist behind its scientific naming.
This unique member of the Pandanaceae family is renowned for its spiral arrangement of long, narrow leaves which give it a characteristic appearance. The leaves typically exhibit a vibrant green color and are edged with small, prickly spines, adding a touch of rugged beauty to the plant’s overall look. One should be cautious when handling its foliage due to these spines, which can be quite sharp.
The screw-pine’s growth habit varies from a small shrub to a modest-sized tree, reaching heights of up to 10 meters when conditions are favorable. This adaptability allows Pandanus spiralis to thrive in a range of environments within its native region, from coastal dunes to riverbanks, where it often plays a role in stabilizing the soil with its extensive root system. The aerial roots provide additional support to the plant, anchoring it securely in sandy or loose soil.
Flowering in Pandanus spiralis brings forth inflorescences that are generally inconspicuous but vital for the plant’s reproductive cycle. These flowers eventually give way to large, globular fruit clusters that are not only visually striking but also serve as a food source for local wildlife. The fruit is composed of numerous segmented drupelets, each containing a seed that can propagate new growth under suitable conditions.
In traditional Australian Indigenous cultures, the leaves and other parts of the screw-pine have been used for various practical purposes, such as weaving materials for baskets and mats, demonstrating the plant’s importance beyond mere aesthetics. Its presence in these communities highlights the intrinsic cultural value of native flora in their daily lives.
Ecologically, Pandanus spiralis contributes to its environment by providing habitat and nourishment for a variety of creatures, including insects, birds, and mammals, which rely on the plant for shelter and sustenance. The plant’s resilience and versatility make it a significant component of Northern Australia’s diverse plant life, embodying both the beauty and the utility of the region’s native species.
Common Names
Eng: screw-pine
En: Screw-pine
Synonyms
Distribution
- Northern Territory (native)
- Queensland (native)
- Western Australia (native)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Aug 8, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 6, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 6, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Aug 8, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 8, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 9, 2011 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5327320)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:671509-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Pandanus spiralis R.Br.)