Pandanus tectorius Parkinson ex Du Roi Synonyms: Pandanus absonus H. St. John, Pandanus adscendens H, St. John Family: Pandanaceae Local name (Dhivehi): Boa kashikeyo English names:’Tahitian screw pine, Thatch serew pine Description: Evergreen, coarsely branched palmaceous trees with hollow stem. Prop roots are numerous, thick and originate from the base of the trunk, Exposed stems grossly ringed by leaf scars. Leaves linear, 100-200 x 4-7 cm wide, arranged spirally in three rows at the tips of the branches, leaf apex, long, flagella like; margin and midrib prickled. Dioceous; male inflorescence a raceme of spikes, flowers tiny, white, and fragrant with large showy bracts. Female inflorescence a condensed head. Fruits ovoid, ellipsoid, sub-globose or globose with tightly bunched, wedge shaped, fleshy drupes; seed hard and stony. Flowering & fruitin; Throughout the year Native range: Indo-N (Queensland) Distribution: In coastal habitats throughout the tropics. Occurrence in Maldives: natural habitats flalaysia and Australia Common in Uses: A multipurpose tree second only to coconut. It can withstand drought, strong winds and salt spray and hence used in shoreline restoration. Fruits is one of the traditional foods in Maldives. The leaves are used to make baskets, mats, thatch roofs and grass skirts. The stem and branches are used for house construction and as firewood. A decoction of the leaf is used to treat headache, arthritis, and stomach spasms. The root decoction is believed to have aphrodisiac and cardiotonic properties. |193