Pandanus
(Pic by B.navez)
Pandanus are distinctive palm-like plants comprising about 600 species. Varying in size from small shrubs of less than one metre high to 20 m trees, they feature large roots that prop up the plant when they grow heavy with branches, fruit and leaves. A solid trunk supports the Pandanus and leaves are long (30cm-2m) and strap-shaped. As dioecious plants, male and female flowers are produced on different plants with varying features. Male trees produce flowers that are about 2 cm long and fragrant while female trees produce flowers with globe-shaped orange-red edible fruit. Pandanus leaves fibre is used for weaving mats, baskets etc.