Rock pandanus, Sandstone Screw Pine
Pandanus basedowii
Family: Pandanaceae
What it is like
A medium shrub or small tree. It grows 4-7 m tall and spreads 2-4 m wide. It has a rounded crown. The branches are often horizontal. It has prop roots. The leaves are strap-shaped and 30-80 cm long by 1-5 cm wide. They are dull green, stiff, leathery and with spines along the lower edge. The tip is drawn out. The male flower arrangement is branched and 10-20 cm long. The male spike is 2-3 cm long and with whitish bracts below them. The female flower arrangement is unbranched with whitish bracts. The fruiting head is 15-20 cm across. It is more or less round. It is light in weight and cream-brown. There are about 10 fingers in a fruiting head. Each contains 1 or 2 seeds. The seeds are 2.5 cm long.
There are about 600 Pandanus species. They grow in the tropics.
Where it is found
A tropical and subtropical plant. It needs a sunny position. They need well-drained soil. It grows on rocky cliffs in Arnhem land in Australia.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The roasted seeds are eaten.
Edible parts
Kernel, seeds, nuts
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from fresh seed.