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pandanus

pandanus

9.9
A tropical tree with stilt-like roots, edible cone-shaped fruit, and long leaves used for weaving
  • noun
  • /ˈpændənəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : pandanus
  • Pandanus or screwpine is a widespread tropical genus, including species grown for edible nuts, fruits ("keys"), and as a culinary herb.
  • pandanus trees

Examples

  • The pandanus plant thrives in tropical climates, producing cone-shaped fruits that are edible.

  • Other tree crops include coconut, pandanus, and betel.

    Academic text (1992)
  • Most sorcerers are men, and women who practice sorcery wear the traditional male garment of strips of incised wild pandanus leaf wound around the hips and between the legs.

    Academic text (1991)
  • Nut and fruit trees (pandanus, coconut, breadfruit, mango, papaya) are grown adjacent to houses in the village or in gardens that are an easy walk away.

    Academic text (1991)
  • The villagers use the long leaves of the pandanus to weave baskets and mats for their daily activities.

  • Pandanus is often found near coastal areas, where its roots help prevent soil erosion.

Synonyms

screw pine
vspandanus
9.3

A tropical tree with strong roots that grow above the ground, long narrow leaves, and conelike edible fruit

is more about individual plants and notes leaf uses for weaving or cooking
genus Pandanus
vspandanus
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of tropical plants called screw pines that includes many species

is the common plant described with prop roots fruits and weaving leaves

Compounds

genus Pandanus
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of tropical plants called screw pines that includes many species

Pandanus tectorius
  • Specialized
9.9

A tree by the sea with long leaves and fruit people eat and use for weaving

Surface Forms

pandanus singular
pandanuses plural

Etymology

Pandanus comes from the Malay word pandan, the local name for a tropical tree with long leaves, stilt-like roots and cone-shaped fruit. Because people in Southeast Asia and the Pacific use its leaves for cooking and its fruit for food, English kept that name for the tree.