79

Pandanus pygmaeus Thouars

Synonym: Pandanus racemosus Kurz, Freycinetia leucacantha Miq.

PANDANACEAE

Local Names : Dwarf Screwpine.

Flowering Period : July to December.

Distribution : Native of South Asia

Uses:   Ornamental, Hedge plant.

Exotic : Yes.

 Herbaceous monocot shrub, one of the dwarfest member of Pandanus genus. Low clumping form, aboveground stem not obvious, sending out basal runners that root upon ground contact. Leaves linear, striped with green centre and bright yellow edges, spirally arranged in ranks of 3s around hidden stem. Leaf margins and keels armed with numerous hooked flexible spines. Flowers are Cream-coloured, produced in inconspicuous clusters on short peduncle. Plant is diocecious, with male and female flowers found on separate plants.