Pandanus tectorius is a species of Pandanus (screwpine) that is native to Malesia, Papuasia, eastern Australia,& the Pacific Islands.
It grows in the coastal lowlands typically near the edge of the ocean.
The fruit is edible & sometimes known as hala fruit.
It is supported by aerial roots (prop roots) that firmly anchors the tree to the ground..
Top 1 & 2.. ripe & unripe fruit..
Left bolow. aerial roots..
Right below segment of ripe fruit..
@beryl ..The tree is fascinating Beryl..
The fruit wedges are tough& fibrous, but depending on species, sometimes the base of the wedges are soft enough to chew or suck to extract some sweet tasting pulp. The fruit stalk itself, which remains after all the wedges have been removed, is also edible, although is usually quite woody.
The fruit wedges are tough& fibrous, but depending on species, sometimes the base of the wedges are soft enough to chew or suck to extract some sweet tasting pulp. The fruit stalk itself, which remains after all the wedges have been removed, is also edible, although is usually quite woody.