Herb's Introduction
Pandanus tectorius Soland. ex. Parkinson, also commonly known as the thatch screwpine or hala tree, is a robust, evergreen shrub or small tree belonging to the family Pandanaceae. It is a defining feature of tropical coastal landscapes, native to a vast region spanning Malesia, eastern Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Characterized by a stout, branching trunk and an abundance of distinctive prop roots that anchor it firmly in sandy or rocky soil, the plant creates a striking, candelabra-like silhouette. The most notable feature of this plant is its spirally arranged, long, blade-like leaves that grow in dense rosettes at the ends of its branches, which gives the plant its "screwpine" name. These leaves are typically spiny along the edges and midrib. The plant is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers are found on separate trees. The male flowers are highly prized for their intoxicating fragrance, while the female trees produce large, pineapple-like fruits composed of numerous edible segments.
Name in Different Countries
The widespread cultivation and cultural significance of Pandanus tectorius have led to a rich variety of names across different languages and regions. Arabic: Kazi Assamese: Katki, কেতেকী, কেতেকীফুল Bengali: Katki, Keya, কেওড়া, কেয়া, কেতকী Chinese: 露兜樹, 露兜樹 Danish: Skruepalme English: Screw pine, Thatch screwpine, Tahitian screwpine, Hala tree, Umbrella tree Estonian: Lõhnav pandan, Kruvipuu Fijian: Thatch screwpine, Umbrella tree, Vadra, Balawa Filipino / Tagalog: Pandan, Sabotan French: Vacquois, Pandanus German: Schraubenbaum, Schraubenpalme Guamanian: Aggag Gujrati: Kevado, Kevda, કેવડા, કેતક Hawaiian: Hala, Lauhala, Puhala, Hinano (male flower) Hindi: Kevada, Keora, kewda, केवड़ा, पुष्प चामर, केओड़ा Italian: Pandano Japanese: アダン, タコノキ, あだん Kannada: Kadajlmudu, Talehuvu, ಕೇದಿಗೆ, ಕೇತಕೆ, ತಾಳೇ ಹೂ Korean: 아단 Malay: Mengkuang, Pandan laut Malayalam: Pookaitha, Tala Marathi: Kewda, केवडा Oriya: Ketaki, Kia, କିଆ Persian: Fragrant screwpine, Gulkeril Punjabi: Keora, ਕਿਓਰਾ, ਕੇਉਡ਼ਾ, ਕੇਵੜਾ Samoan: Caldera bush, Common seashore screwpine, Fala, Lautala Sanskrit: Suchikapushpa, Ketaki, केतकी, Ketaka Spanish: Bacua Tahitian: Fara Tamil: Tazhai, தாழை Telugu: Mogali, మొగలి Thai: Lamchiek, Talhai Urdu: کیوڑہ, جمبالا, جمبول, پانشکا, کیتکی
Terminology
Understanding the unique characteristics of Pandanus tectorius is easier with a few key terms: Dioecious: This botanical term means that a plant has distinct male and female individuals. A single Pandanus tectorius plant will produce either male or female flowers, but not both. Prop Roots: These are the thick, stilt-like aerial roots that grow from the lower part of the trunk and branches down to the ground. They are a defining feature of the plant and provide crucial support, especially in unstable, sandy coastal soils. Phalange: The individual, wedge-shaped segments of the fruit are called phalanges or "keys." Each fruit is a large, compound structure made up of dozens of these segments. Hinano: This is the Hawaiian term for the showy, highly fragrant male flower clusters, which are surrounded by white to cream-colored bracts. These flowers are a source of fragrant oil and pollen.
Availability
Pandanus tectorius is a highly resilient plant that is widely available in its native range, thriving in coastal areas and even surviving in salt-laden winds and poor, sandy soil. It is a common feature in the landscapes of Pacific Islands, Southeast Asia, and Australia. Due to its ornamental value and hardiness, it has also become a popular choice for landscaping in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. You can find it in nurseries and botanical gardens. In many places, its leaves and fragrant flowers are sold in markets, both fresh and dried, for culinary, medicinal, and craft purposes.
External Look
The striking appearance of Pandanus tectorius sets it apart from other plants. It typically grows as a small tree, reaching heights of up to 10 meters, with a canopy that spreads just as wide. Trunk and Roots: The trunk is stout and often multi-branched. Its most distinctive feature is the prop roots that emerge from the base, creating a sturdy support system. These roots can descend from the canopy, resembling a network of stilts. Leaves: The leaves are long, linear, and resemble a sword or blade. They are spirally arranged at the ends of the branches, giving the plant a screw-like appearance. Most varieties have spines along the edges and on the underside of the midrib. The leaves are typically a light green color. Flowers and Fruits: The flowers are different on male and female trees. Male flowers are small, white, and intensely fragrant, grouped in large clusters surrounded by prominent white bracts. Female flowers are found on globose or oval heads. When pollinated, these heads develop into a large, segmented fruit that resembles a pineapple or pinecone. The fruit changes from green to a vibrant orange or reddish color when it ripens.
Healing Properties
In traditional and Ayurvedic medicine, Pandanus tectorius is a valued herb used to address a variety of ailments. While many of its uses are supported by centuries of anecdotal evidence, scientific research is ongoing. Ayurvedic Applications: According to Ayurvedic texts, Pandanus tectorius is used for: Gulma: A term for abdominal lumps or tumors, which can include digestive disorders and pain. Netraroga: Refers to various eye disorders. Kapharoga: Diseases related to an imbalance of the Kapha dosha, such as cough, asthma, and other respiratory issues. Pain Relief: A decoction or poultice made from the leaves is traditionally used to relieve headaches, arthritis pain, and stomach spasms. Antiseptic and Antibacterial: Pulverized dried leaves or bark preparations are applied to wounds and various skin problems, including leprosy and smallpox, for their antiseptic properties. General Health: The plant is also used to address fever, earaches, and chest pains. The roots are sometimes chewed to strengthen gums, and a decoction of the roots is believed to have aphrodisiac and cardiotonic (heart-strengthening) properties.
Advantages
The benefits of Pandanus tectorius extend far beyond its medicinal uses, making it an invaluable plant for both human societies and the environment. Resilience: It is incredibly hardy and can thrive in harsh environments where other plants struggle, such as coastal areas with saline soil, high winds, and drought. This makes it an excellent plant for erosion control and landscape stabilization. Sustainable Resource: The leaves are a completely natural and renewable resource for crafting. Harvesting the leaves for weaving does not harm the plant and provides a sustainable material for a wide range of products. Multiple Uses: Almost every part of the plant has a practical use. The leaves for weaving, the fruit for food, the flowers for fragrance, and the trunk for timber. This makes it an economically and culturally significant species.
Uses
The uses of Pandanus tectorius are extensive and varied, highlighting its deep integration into the lives of people in its native regions. Crafts and Weaving: The tough, fibrous leaves are the most widely used part of the plant. After being processed (cleaned and dried), they are woven into a variety of products, including mats, baskets, hats, sandals, and even sails for small boats. Food: The ripe fruit is edible. The fleshy, orange base of the phalanges can be eaten raw, cooked, or processed into a thick, durable paste that can be stored for long periods. The inner seeds can also be consumed. Flavoring and Fragrance: The fragrant male flowers are used to produce an essential oil, known as kewra, which is a popular flavoring in North Indian cuisine, especially for desserts and rice dishes. It is also used in perfumery and cosmetics. Construction: The wood of the trunk is used for building small houses, ladders, and other structures. Dye: Certain parts of the plant can be used to produce natural dyes.
Using way
The application of Pandanus tectorius depends on the specific part of the plant and its intended purpose. For Culinary Use: Ripe fruit fingers, which are bright orange or red, can be pulled from the fruit head. The softest parts can be eaten raw, while tougher varieties are boiled or baked. The pulp can be extracted to make a paste for cooking or long-term preservation. For Medicinal Preparations: A decoction (a liquid made by boiling a plant part in water) of the leaves or bark is prepared by boiling the plant material for several minutes. This liquid can be consumed as a tea or added to bathwater for skin conditions. A poultice (a soft, moist mass of plant material) of fresh leaves mixed with oil can be applied topically to the forehead for headaches. For Weaving: The leaves are harvested and prepared by stripping them of their spines, boiling them, and then drying them in the sun. This process makes them pliable and durable for weaving.
Conclusion
Pandanus tectorius, or Kewda, is a plant of unparalleled significance in tropical coastal regions. It is a symbol of resilience, thriving where others cannot, and a source of countless benefits for local communities. From providing essential materials for daily life and traditional crafts to offering a source of food, medicine, and exquisite fragrance, its role is deeply intertwined with human culture. The fragrant essence of its flowers and the durable nature of its leaves are testaments to its value, and it continues to be a remarkable example of nature's generous gifts.
