Common screwpine facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Common screwpine |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Pandanus
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| Species: |
spiralis
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| Synonyms | |
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Pandanus spiralis is native to northern Australia. It is commonly called common screwpine, iidool, pandanus palm, screw pine, screw palm or spring pandanus. It is neither a true palm, nor a pine.
Contents
Distribution
Pandanus spiralis occurs in Queensland, Northern NSW, The Northern Territory and the extreme north of Western Australia.
The plant is most commonly found growing along watercourses or coastal fringes and dune systems.
Description
Pandanus spiralis is a shrub or small tree up to 10 metres in height. It has long, spiny leaves organised in a spiral arrangement. The plant bears a large, pineapple-like cluster of fruit that turn orange-red when ripe.
Wildlife including birds take advantage of the spiny leaves by living in the tree for protection. They also favor its fruit.
Uses
The leaves of P. spiralis can be used to weave neckbands and armbands. The fibre of the leaves can be used as string for dillybags. Other uses include baskets, mats, and shelters. In addition, mashed leaves can be used to cure headaches when tied around the head. The Burarra people use the plant to make fish traps.
The fruit's seeds can also be ground to make flour.
Gallery
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Fallen fruit of Pandanus spiralis
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Pandanus spiralis growing on a Coastal cliff
