Pandanus tectorius
| Pandanus tectorius | |
|---|---|
| |
| Growing in the mountains ofOʻahu,Hawaii | |
Scientific classification
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Pandanales |
| Family: | Pandanaceae |
| Genus: | Pandanus |
| Species: | P. tectorius
|
| Binomial name | |
| Pandanus tectorius | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Pandanus tectoriusis a species ofPandanus(screwpine) that is native toMalesia,Papuasia,easternAustralia,and thePacific Islands.It grows in the coastal lowlands typically near the edge of the ocean.[3]Common names in English includethatch screwpine,[4]Tahitian screwpine,[5]hala tree[6](pūhalain Hawaiian)[7]andpandanus.[8]The fruit is edible and sometimes known ashala fruit.
Description
[edit]P. tectoriusis a smalltreethat grows upright to reach 4–14 m (13–46 ft) in height.[3]The singletrunkis slender with brown ringed bark.[8]It is spiny, grows to 4.5–11 m (15–35 ft) in width,[8]and forks at a height of 4–8 metres (13–26 ft).[9]It is supported byaerial roots(prop roots) that firmly anchors the tree to the ground.[8]Roots sometimes grow along the branch,[3]and they grow at wide angles in proportion to the trunk.[8]
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Growth habit -
Aerial roots -
Spiny aerial roots and leaflets -
Fruit showing phalanges
Flowers
[edit]
Pandanus tectoriusisdioecious,meaning male and femaleflowersare borne on separate trees,[3]with very different male and female flowers. Male flowers, known asracemes,are small, fragrant, and short-lived, lasting only a single day. The flowers are grouped in 3 and gathered in large clusters[8]surrounded by big, whitebracts.[3]these clusters are about 1 ft in length and arefragrant.[8]Female flowers resemblepineapples.[9]
In Hawaiʻi the male flower is calledhīnanoand the bracts are used for making very fine mats (moena hīnano'orʻahu hīnano).[10]
Fruit
[edit]The femaleP. tectoriustrees produce a segmented, largefruit.[3]Although not closely related,[8]the fruit resembles a pineapple.[8]ThefruitofP. tectoriusis eitherovoid,ellipsoid,subglobose orglobosewith a diameter of 4–20 cm (1.6–7.9 in) and a length of 8–30 cm (3.1–11.8 in).[8]The fruit is made up of 38–200 wedge-like phalanges, often referred to as keys orcarpels,which have an outer fibroushuskand are 8 inches in length.[8]There are roughly 40 to 80 keys in each fruit and the color of the fruit can be yellow, orange, or red with a green top.[3]Phalanges contain twoseedson average, with a maximum of eight reported. The phalanges arebuoyant,and theseedswithin them can remain viable for many months while beingtransportedbyocean currents.[9]
Leaves
[edit]TheleavesofPandanus tectoriusare usually 90–150 cm (3.0–4.9 ft) in length[3]and 5–7 cm (2.0–2.8 in) in width.[8]They possess saw-like margins.[11]Some varieties have spines along the edges and ribs throughout the leaves.[8]The leaves are spirally arranged at the end of the branches.[8]
Taxonomy
[edit]Pandanus tectoriuswas first described bySydney Parkinsonin 1774.[12]It is anangiospermbelonging to the genusPandanusof the familyPandanaceae.[13]
Distribution
[edit]Pandanus tectoriusgrows natively from thePhilippinesthrough thePacific OceantoHawaii.It is found in parts ofMalesia(theCocos (Keeling) Islands,Java,theLesser Sunda Islands,theMaluku Islandsand thePhilippines), throughoutPapuasia,and in most of the tropical Pacific.[12]In Australia, it is native to an area fromPort MacquarieinNew South Walesto northernQueensland.[14]Both the US and the Hawaiian Islands recognize only one indigenous species,P. tectorius.[15][8]Its exact native range is unknown due to extensive cultivation; it may be an earlyPolynesianintroductionto many of the more isolated Pacific islands on which it occurs. These islands includeMicronesiaandMelanesia.[15]In Hawaii,P. tectoriusis found natively on all the main islands exceptKahoʻolawe,[8]and it is known to have predated human settlement, based on seed and pollen samples taken fromKauaʻi'sMakauwahi Cave.[16]
Habitat
[edit]Pandanus tectoriusnaturally grows incoastalregions, such as onmangrovemargins andbeaches,[9]at elevations from sea level to 610 m (2,000 ft).[17]It requires 1,500–4,000 mm (59–157 in) of annual rainfall and seasons will fluctuate from wet to dry.[18]
Pandanus tectoriusis considered more drought tolerant than coconut trees. The trees have adapted to drought by reducing fruiting.[19]Thatch Screwpine is well adapted to grow in the manysoiltypes present on coasts, includingquartzsand,coral sand,andpeat,as well as inlimestoneandbasalt.[18]P. tectoriusissaltand wind tolerant and favors slightlyacidictobasicsoil (pHof 6–10). The trees are strong and can typically withstand tropical storms.[9]It prefers to grow in full sunlight, but grows well with 30-50% shade. It will not tolerate shade above 70%.[9]
Ecology
[edit]There are a wide range of natural enemies that pose a threat toP. tectoriussuch asparasites,pathogens,andherbivores.They attack the leaves, roots, stems, and growing points.[18]Thestick insectMegacrania batesiilives and feeds only onP. tectoriusand two otherPandanusspecies.
Pandanus tectoriusin Australia is threatened by a sap-sucking insect,Jamella australiae,a species of the genusJamellaof the subfamilyFlatinae,[20]known as the Pandanus planthopper.[21]It has caused much damage to plants on the northern coast ofNew South Wales,[22]before making its way up the coast toNoosaand theGold Coastin Queensland in the 1990s. Since then it has infested pandanus further north, killing about 80 per cent of theP. tectoriuspopulation to the south ofGladstone, Queensland,and has since reachedYeppoonon theCapricorn Coast,whereP. tectoriusplays an important part in preventingcoastal erosion.[21]A natural predator in the form of a wasp native to northern Queensland,Aphanomerus pusillus,has been introduced onFraser Island[23][24]and inByfield National Park[21]as one of methods used to combat the pest. Other methods used on Fraser Island including the injection ofinsecticideinto the plant, stripping infested leaves away, and breeding new plants from local stock. The wasp can only be used in the warmer months on the island, as it does not thrive in the cooler climate of southern Queensland.[24]
Cultivation
[edit]Pandanus tectoriusmay be grown from seed or cuttings – the former will flower at around 15 years and the latter usually flowers by 3 to 4 years of age.[9]Female trees typically flower 1 to 3 times per year while male trees will flower every 2 months.[8]It is thought to reproduce sexually inHawaii,but there is some evidence thatapomixisoccurs.[8]Small insects, such as bees, and wind are usually the pollinators.[8]It takes 1 to 2 years from pollination to produce fruit on female trees.[18]
Seasons vary amongst locations and varieties.[18]For example, inFijithe pollination season is March to May, in northern Australia it is April to August, and inMicronesia,there are two season December to March and July to September.[18]Most varieties produce 8 to 12 fruits per tree every 2 years.[9]Each fruit usually weighs between 7 and 15 kg (15 and 33 lb) and contains 35 to 80 edible keys.[9]
Pandanus tectoriusplants are usually propagated by seed in Hawaii.[18]Soak the keys in cool tap water for 5 days while frequently changing the water.[25]Viable keys will float, so it is important to keep them. InGrowing native Hawaiian plants: a how-to guide for the gardner,Bornhorst says to remove the fleshy layer of the key and then bury the seed half-way in planting soil. It is important to keep the soil moist.[25]
P. tectoriuscan also be grown from large cuttings. Selected forms are propagated by stem cuttings in Micronesia.[18]Morphological traits looked for include aerial roots. Plants selected have 2/3 of their leaves trimmed off to prevent water loss.[18]In Native Hawaiian plants for tropical seaside landscaping, Moriarty says for best results use mature branches with leaves and small aerial roots. Then root in a sand bed.[26]Plants grown from cuttings produce fruit in 4 to 6 years.[26]
Propagation by grafting is not applicable.[18]
Uses
[edit]The fruit ofPandanus tectoriusis edible. Some varieties andcultivarscontain significant amounts ofcalcium oxalate,so need thorough cooking before being consumed.[27]Other cultivars contain very little to no calcium oxalate and can be eaten raw. It is an important food source in theatollsofMicronesiaandPolynesia,with the fruit commonly eaten raw or turned into a dried paste (e.g.,mokwanin theMarshall Islandsorte tuaeinKiribati[28]) or flour.[29]It is also one of the traditional foods ofMaldivian cuisine.[30]The fibrous nature of the fruit also serves as a naturaldental floss.[citation needed]It is also used in Samoan culture as aula fala,a necklace made out of the dried fruit painted in red and is worn by themataiduring special occasions and functions.[31]
Australian Aboriginal peoples extracted the slender, edible seeds. This seed, and the fruit, was an important food.[32]
The tree's leaves are often used as flavoring for sweet dishes. It is also used in Sri Lankan cookery, where the leaves are used to flavor a variety of curries. Leaves were used by thePolynesiansto make baskets, mats,outrigger canoesails,thatchroofs,[33]andgrass skirts.
The fragrant male flowers are used in perfumery and are also distilled to makeKewra.[citation needed]
A large shrub or small tree of immense cultural, health, and economic importance in the Pacific, it is second only to coconut on atolls. It grows wild mainly in semi-natural vegetation inlittoralhabitats throughout the tropical and subtropical Pacific, where it can withstand drought, strong winds, and salt spray. It propagates readily from seed, but it is also widely propagated from branch cuttings by local people for farms and home gardens. It grows fairly quickly, and all parts are used, from the nutritious fruits of edible varieties to the poles and branches in construction to the leaves for weaving and garlands. The plant is prominent in Pacific culture and tradition, including local medicine.[This paragraph needs citation(s)]
Hundreds of cultivated varieties are known by their local names and characteristics of fruits, branches, and leaves. At present, there is evidence that this diversity is declining, with certain varieties becoming difficult to find. The reasons include less replanting, deforestation, fire, flagging interest by the new generation, and rapid population growth leading to urbanization.[9]
Culture
[edit]The seal ofPunahou SchoolinHonolulu,Hawaiifeatures the hala tree, in part becauselauhala,the art of weaving with the leaves of that tree, is pivotal to thehistory of the island,with everything from houses to pillows being made in this fashion. Local legend tells of an aged Hawaiian couple who lived long ago above the present Punahou campus, and had to travel far for water. They prayed each night for aspring,but to no avail. Finally one night, in a dream answering their prayers, they were told to uproot the stump of an old hala tree. They did as they were told and found a spring of clear, sweet water, which they named Ka Punahou, the New Spring. According to legend, Punahou School's lily pond is fed by this same spring.[This paragraph needs citation(s)]
Gallery
[edit]-
Ripe fruit -
Fruit -
Close up of keys, orstamen -
Roots
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^Thomson, L.; Thaman, R.; Guarino, L.; Taylor, M.; Elevitch, C. (2019)."Pandanus tectorius".IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.2019:e.T62335A135987404.doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T62335A135987404.en.Retrieved19 November2021.
- ^ab"Pandanus tectorius".World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.Retrieved17 Sep2016– viaThe Plant List.Note that this website has been superseded byWorld Flora Online
- ^abcdefghKinsey, Beth (2017)."Pandanus tectorius- Hala".Wild Life of Hawaii.Retrieved6 April2017.
- ^"Pandanus tectorius".Germplasm Resources Information Network.Agricultural Research Service,United States Department of Agriculture.Retrieved17 Sep2016.
- ^USDA, NRCS(n.d.)."Pandanus tectorius".The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov).Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team.Retrieved17 Sep2016.
- ^"Native Plants Hawaii - Viewing Plant: Pandanus tectorius".nativeplants.hawaii.edu.
- ^Pukui, Mary Kawena; et al. (1986).Hawaiian Dictionary.Univ. of Hawaii Press.ISBN978-0-8248-0703-0.
pū hala.n.pandanus tree. […]Ulu pū hala,pandanus grove.
- ^abcdefghijklmnopqrs"Pandanus tectorius".College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, University of Hawaii at Manoa.2002.
- ^abcdefghijThomson, L.A.J.; Englberger, L.; Guarino, L.; Thaman, R.R.; Elevitch, C. (2006)."Pandanus tectorius (pandanus)"(PDF).Agroforestry.org.Retrieved7 May2023.
- ^Mary Kawena Pukui;Samuel Hoyt Elbert(2003)."lookup ofhīnano".in Hawaiian Dictionary.Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library,University of Hawaii Press.
- ^"Pandanus tectorius".Native Plants Hawaii.2009. Archived fromthe originalon 31 Jan 2023.Retrieved7 May2023.
- ^ab"Pandanus tectoriusParkinson ".Plants of the World Online.Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.Retrieved7 May2023.
- ^"Classification for Kingdom Plantae Down To Genus Pandanus L. f."Natural Resources Conservation Service.
- ^F.A. Zich; B.P.M Hyland; T. Whiffen; R.A. Kerrigan (2020)."Pandanus tectorius".Australian Tropical Rainforest Plants,Edition 8.Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation(CSIRO).Retrieved5 March2021.
- ^ab"Pandanus tectorius Parkinson ex Zucc".USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
- ^TenBruggencate, Jan (2005-09-28)."Kaua'i cave tells 10,000-year tale".Honolulu Advertiser.
- ^Little, Elbert L. Jr.; Roger G. Skolmen (1989)."Hala, screwpine"(PDF).Common Forest Trees of Hawaii (Native and Introduced).United States Forest Service. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 8 Aug 2017.Retrieved7 May2023.
- ^abcdefghijPasiecznik, Nick (2015)."Pandanus tectorius (screw pine)".Invasive Species Compendium.Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International.doi:10.1079/cabicompendium.38447.
- ^Stone, E.L.; Migyar, L.; Robison, W.L. (2000).Growing plants on atoll soils.Livermore: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. p. 25.
- ^"Species: Jamella australiae (Pandanus Planthopper)".Atlas of Living Australia.Retrieved4 January2021.
- ^abcStünzner, Inga (15 December 2020)."Byfield National Park becomes last line of defence against threat to pandanus".ABC News.Australian Broadcasting Corporation.Retrieved4 January2021.
- ^"Pandanus Dieback".Tweed Shire Council.29 September 2016. Archived fromthe originalon 4 Jan 2021.Retrieved7 May2023.
- ^"The insects killing Fraser Island's pandanus population".The Courier Mail.26 January 2017.Retrieved4 January2021.
- ^abCoghill, Jon (29 October 2015)."Rangers turn to tiny native wasp to save Fraser Island's iconic pandanus population".ABC News.Australian Broadcasting Corporation.Retrieved4 January2021.
- ^abBornhorst, Heidi L. (1996).Growing native Hawaiian plants: a how-to guide for the gardner.Honolulu: The Bess Press. pp. 52–53.
- ^abMoriarty, Dan (1975). "Native Hawaiian plants for tropical seaside landscaping".Bulletin of the Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden.3:41–48.
- ^Arnold, Michael A. (2014)."Pandanus tectoriusS. Parkinson "(PDF).Aggie Horticulture.Texas A&M University.Retrieved2020-09-30.
- ^Healthy Pacific Lifestyle Section of the Secretariat of the Pacific Communities, ed. (2006).Pandanus.Noumea.ISBN978-982-00-0166-4.
{{cite book}}:CS1 maint: location missing publisher (link) - ^Miller, C.D.; Murai, M.; Pen, F. (1956)."The Use of Pandanus Fruit As Food in Micronesia"(PDF).Pacific Science.10(1): 3–16.Retrieved7 May2023.
- ^Romero-Frias, Xavier (15 April 2013)."Eating on the Islands - As times have changed, so has the Maldives' unique cuisine and culture".Himalmag.26(2).
- ^"Samoan 'Ula Fala".blackpearldesigns.Retrieved3 October2015.
- ^Low, Tim (1991).Wild food plants of Australia.Sydney, NSW: HarperCollinsPublishers. p. 42.ISBN0-207-16930-6.
- ^Kubota, Gary (26 June 2007)."Funds help hala trees strengthen isle roots".Honolulu Star-Bulletin.Archived fromthe originalon 25 November 2020.
External links
[edit]
- Pandanus tectoriusfrom Foster Garden, Honolulu, Oahu Island, Hawai'iWorld plants, visual galleryUniversity of Murcia. Spain
- NSW Department of Environment & Climate Change[1]
- Australian Native Plants - John W. Wrigley & Murray FaggISBN1-876334-90-8
- Christenhusz, M.J.M. (2009). Typification of ornamental plants:Pandanus tectorius(Pandanaceae).Phytotaxa2: 51–52.
- The World's Best Photos of puhala,Flickr Hive Mind, flickrhivemind.net, related pictures, also the fruits partially dismantled
