Pandanus spiralis
| Pandanus spiralis | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Pandanales |
| Family: | Pandanaceae |
| Genus: | Pandanus |
| Species: | P. spiralis
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pandanus spiralis | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Pandanus spiralis is native to northern Australia. It is commonly called common screwpine,[2] iidool,[2] pandanus palm, screw pine,[3] screw palm or spring pandanus.[2] It is neither a true palm,[4] nor a pine.
Distribution[edit]
Pandanus spiralis occurs in Queensland, the Northern Territory and the extreme north of Western Australia.
The plant is most commonly found growing along watercourses or coastal fringes and dune systems.[5]
Description[edit]
Pandanus spiralis is a shrub or small tree up to 10 metres in height. It has long, spiny leaves organised in a spiral arrangement. The plant bears a large, pineapple-like cluster of fruit that turn orange-red when ripe.
Wildlife including birds take advantage of the spiny leaves by living in the tree for protection. They also favor its fruit.
Uses[edit]
The leaves of P. spiralis can be used to weave neckbands and armbands.[6] The fibre of the leaves can be used as string for dillybags.[7] Other uses include baskets, mats, and shelters.[8] In addition, mashed leaves can be used to cure headaches when tied around the head.[9] The Burarra people use the plant to make fish traps.[10]
The fruit's seeds can also be ground to make flour.[11]
Gallery[edit]
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Fallen fruit of Pandanus spiralis -
Pandanus spiralis growing on a Coastal cliff
References[edit]
- ^ "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ^ a b c "Australian Plant Names Index". Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ^ "Pandanus spiralis". Germplasm Resources Information Network. Agricultural Research Service, United States Department of Agriculture. Retrieved 19 November 2014.
- ^ "Screw Palm". Australian Trees. Retrieved 2006-11-22.
- ^ "Pandanus spiralis" (in German). Retrieved 2006-11-22.
- ^ "Pandanus armband". Uw Oykangand and Uw Olkola Multimedia Dictionary. Archived from the original on October 20, 2009. Retrieved 2006-11-22.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Pandanus". Uw Oykangand and Uw Olkola Multimedia Dictionary. Archived from the original on October 19, 2009. Retrieved 2006-11-22.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ "Pandanus". PhotographyTips.com. Retrieved 2006-11-22.
- ^ "screw palm". Retrieved 2006-11-22.
- ^ "New Page 1". Top End Native Plant Society. Retrieved 2006-11-22.
- ^ "Flora and Fauna". Archived from the original on 2006-08-20. Retrieved 2006-11-22.