Pandanus edulis
Thouars
Wikimedia Commons - Charles Gaudichaud-Beaupré (1789-1854)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Fruit
Fruit. Although no specific records have yet been seen for this species, most members of this genus have more or less edible fruits, seeds and inner leaf bases. The cylindrical fruit is a syncarp made up of a number of individual drupes. Individual drupes are hard, woody wedges - each containing a few, slender seeds. Each wedge has a fleshy base imbued with a sweet-smelling, orange pulp that in many species has a delicious flavour. This pulp needs to be cooked in order to destroy a deleterious substance. The seed often has a delicious nutty flavour when eaten raw or cooked, though it is fiddly to extract. Seeds contain 44 - 50% fat and 20 - 34% protein. Inner base of young leaves - raw.
Where to Find It
A tropical plant.
Africa, East Africa, Madagascar,
How to Identify
An evergreen tropical tree of the Pandanaceae family with separate male and female flowers on different plants.
How to Grow
Species in this genus generally grow well in most moist, well-dained soils and a sunny position Branches do not have dormant buds and so will not resprout if cut back into the old wood. 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.
Other Uses
Although we have seen no specific records for this species, the leaves of most members of this genus are used locally for weaving a range of items such as mats, bags and baskets. The leaves, which are usually tough and fibrous, are long, narrow and sword-shaped and can easily be split into strips for weaving.
References (3)
- Bull. Sci. Soc. Philom. Paris 1808:4, 1808
- Burkill, I.H., 1966, A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vol 2 (I-Z) p 1673]
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
