| Description |
Native to polynesia, the variegated screw pine is a slow-growing, suckering shrub up to 4-8 metres high, with thick aerial roots and distinctive green- and yellow-striped leaves. There are many species of the genus: p. Utilis and p. Veitchii are also successful in gulf regions. This species has few branches and rarely flowers: it produces rosettes of arching, linear, spiny yellow leaves, up to 1 metre long, with green margins, when mature. Male and female flowers lack petals and are borne on separate plants. Female flowers resemble small, red coloured pineapples when fertilised. It has a high drought tolerance, but grows well in moist, sandy, clayey, alkaline soils, even with high salinity. It does best with regular irrigation, minimal in winter, and fertilising monthly from spring to summer. It is a very adaptable plant, although it prefers hot, dry condi- tions; propagation is by cuttings, which root readily when placed directly in the soil. It is occasionally infested by scale insects. Amongst the uses of pandanus are the leaves used for weaving material for clothes, dyes collected from the roots and treatment of inflammation. A palm-like tree, it makes a spectacular accent in garden landscapes, but requires sufficient space. It is also an attractive screen when planted on the edge of a lake. Very little maintenance is necessary when planted in groups in a park. |
