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Pandanus utilis
Pandanaceae FAMILY

Pandanus utilis

Pandanus utilis

Edibility
2/5
Medicinal
2/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitEvergreen Tree
Growth—

Plants succeed in the tropics and warm subtropics. Prefers a position in full sun, tolerating a range of soils[1]. Tolerant of salty soils[2]. The first harvest of leaves is not taken until the plant is three years old[3]. Plants are then regularly cropped every second year afterwards. One plant will yield leaves enough for two large bags[3]. Branches do not have dormant buds and so will not resprout if cut back into the old wood[1]. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruits and seed are required.

Propagation

Seed - best pre-soaked for 24 hours prior to sowing[2]. The seed should not be covered, but should be placed face up in the growing medium at a temperature of at least 27°c[1]. They germinate in 2 - 3 months[1]. Stem suckers. Cuttings. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Pandanus+utilis>

Pollinators

Data unavailable

References

  1. [1]Desert Tropicals — http://www.desert-tropicals.com/ ↩︎The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
  2. [2]Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa. — http://www.prota.org ↩︎An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
  3. [3]Useful Fiber Plants of the World — Dodge C.R. · USDA; Washington. · 1897 · http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/ ↩︎A rather dated, but very comprehensive catalogue of fibre plants from around the world. The book can be downloaded from the Internet.
  4. [4]Mansfeld's Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Plants — http://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/pls/htmldb_pgrc/f?p=185:3:4292127278597336 ↩︎Terse details of a huge range of useful plants.
  5. [5]Wild Food Plants of Australia. — Low. T. · Angus and Robertson. · 1989 · ISBN 0-207-14383-8 ↩︎Well presented, clear information and good photographs. An interesting read for the casual reader as well as the enthusiast