Pandanus tectorius Seeds | Screwpine
LATIN NAME: Pandanus tectorius
COMMON NAME: Screwpine, Thatch Screwpine
Plant Profile
Pandanus tectorius, better known as Screwpine, is an evergreen tree in the screwpine family (Pandanaceae). Established plants reach around Ten metres. Its open flowers are a reliable stop for bees and other pollinating visitors. Together these qualities explain its long-standing appeal to gardeners.
Science & Biotechnology
Pandanus tectorius sits in the screwpine family, a group that keeps botanists, horticulturists and plant breeders busy with questions of classification, adaptation and ornamental potential. Screwpine has a real and distinguished place in research. It retains a following among breeders and collectors, which keeps seed stocks in circulation.
Uses & Benefits
Screwpine works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Screwpine is a small to medium-sized, evergreen tree of tropical coastlines, bearing prop roots and spirally-arranged, long, sword-shaped leaves, followed by large, pineapple-like fruits. Its fruits are a food for coastal wildlife and humans, and its prop roots help to stabilize sand dunes and coastal soil, while its distinctive, architectural habit gives a fine presence in tropical garden and coastal landscape. To raise screwpine, sow seeds in pots of moist, sandy soil in a warm, bright place, keep them gently watered, and grow little plants on in the warmth. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Screwpines give fragrant leaves for Southeast Asian cooking, weaving fiber for mats, and stilt-rooted seashore trees that shelter coastlines.
Growing from Seed
Sow fresh seed of Screwpine under ordinary good conditions. Sow thinly on the surface of a loose, well-drained seed compost, cover lightly, water in gently and keep the tray in a sunny spot with even moisture. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Screwpine repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
Related Reading
More species in the same orbit as Screwpine: