Pandanus spiralis

Taxobox
name = "Pandanus spiralis"

---

image_caption = "Pandanus spiralis"
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis = Liliopsida
ordo = Pandanales
familia = Pandanaceae
genus = "Pandanus"
species = "P. spiralis"
binomial = "Pandanus spiralis"

"Pandanus spiralis" is shrub or small tree up to 10 metres in height native to northern Australia. Commonly called screw pine, pandanus palm or screw palm despite being neither a true palm [cite web
url=http://www.touringaustralia.de/Trees/Pandanus-spiralis.php
title=Screw Palm
work=Australian Trees
accessdtae=2006-11-22] , nor a pine.

"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 [cite web
url=http://www.rarepalmseeds.com/de/pix/PanSpi.shtml
title=Pandanus spiralis
language=German
accessdate=2006-11-22] 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 favour its fruit. "P. spiralis"' leaves can be used to weave neckbands and armbands. [cite web
url=http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/2970/armband.htm
title=Pandanus armband
work=Uw Oykangand and Uw Olkola Multimedia Dictionary
accessdate=2006-11-22] The fibre of the leaves can be used as string for dillybags. [cite web
url=http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Delphi/2970/pandanus.htm
title=Pandanus
work=Uw Oykangand and Uw Olkola Multimedia Dictionary
accessdate=2006-11-22] Other uses include baskets, mats, and shelters. [cite web
url=http://www.photographytips.com/page.cfm/4099
title=Pandanus
work=PhotographyTips.com
accessdate=2006-11-22] In addition, mashed leaves can be used to cure headaches when tied around the head. [cite web
url=http://australia.jrn.msu.edu/2002/work/plants/bushmedscrewpalm.html
title=screw palm
accessdate=2006-11-22] . The Burarra people use the plant to make fish traps. [cite web
url=http://tenpsnt.tripod.com/PhotoList/pandanus_spiralis.htm
title=New Page 1
work=Top End Native Plant Society
accessdate=2006-11-22]

The plant bears a large, pineapple-like fruit that turns red when ripe. Humans can extract the fruit's seeds, grinding them into flour. [cite web
url=http://riverway.thuringowa.qld.gov.au/about/environment/flora
title=Flora and Fauna
accessdate=2006-11-22]

Gallery

References