Pandanus Palm (aka Screw Palm)
Pandanus spiralis
-27.4762, 152.979
Field Notes
Description:
Pandanus spiralis is shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 metres in height, and is native to northern Australia. It belongs to the family Pandanaceae. It is also found growing in the wild in northern West Bengal and Sikkim regions of India. It is commonly called Screw Palm or Pandanus Palm despite not being a true palm. It has spined leaves in a spiral arrangement. Wildlife including birds take advantage of the spiny leaves by living in the tree for protection. They also favour its fruit which occurs as large, pineapple-like clusters that turn orange-red when ripe.
Habitat:
Pandanus spiralis grows in Queensland, The Northern Territory and extreme north of Western Australia. The plant is most commonly found growing along watercourses or coastal fringes and dune systems. This specimen was spotted at the Brisbane Botanical Gardens, Mt. Coot-Tha.
Notes:
This is a really useful plant. Humans can extract the fruit's seeds, grinding them into flour. The leaves can be used to weave neckbands and armbands. The fibre of the leaves can be used as string for dillybags, baskets, mats, and shelters. In addition, mashed leaves can be used to cure headaches when tied around the head. The Burarra people use the plant to make fish traps. What a plant!!!
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