Pandanus foetidus Roxb. (PANDANACEAE)
Description: These shrubs, characterized by branching and having few prop roots, bear ensiform leaves measuring up to 200 x 5 cm. The margins of the leaves feature incurved, widely spaced prickles, with the upper twin pleats at the leaf apex and midrib being prickly. Male inflorescence terminal, spicate. Bracts boat-shaped, yellow, fragrant, lower ones abruptly caudate at apex. Spikes sessile, ca 10 cm long. Stamens crowded, directly attached to the axis and not on stamenophores; anthers apiculate. Female inflorescence terminal, on erect peduncle, fragrant. Bracts as in male inflorescence. Carpels free; stigma linear, on the dorsal side of spiniform style. Fruits (syncarps) 1-3, globose, up to 12 cm long; durpes oblanceolate, up to 3.5 cm long including the style.
Flowering & Fruiting: September –January.
Distribution: India: Assam, Kasia Hills and Western Peninsula. Myanmar.
Uses: Fruits are sometimes eaten. The fibre from the leaves are used for nets, brushes etc.
