Pandanus kaida Kurz (PANDANACEAE)
Description: These shrubs or small trees, characterized by few prop roots, have linear-ensiform leaves measuring up to 30 x 8 cm, with prickly margins and midrib. The male inflorescence is terminal and spicate. The bracts are linear-lanceolate or lanceolate, yellowish, and the lower ones are flagelliferous. Bracts linear-lanceolate or lanceolate, yellowish, the lower ones flagelliferous. Spikes up to 11 cm long. Stamens many, umbellate on stamenophores; anthers apiculate. Female inflorescence terminal, pedunculate, bracteate. Carpels in phalanges of 2-4. Fruits (syncarps) oblong-ellipsoid, up to 30 x 15 cm, pendulous; phalanges cuneate, up to 5 x 2 cm, centrally produced into 1-4 styles.
Flowering : September – October.
Distribution: India: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. Common near paddy fields in Udupi district. Sri Lanka.