Common Name:

General Information

Pandanus dubius is an erect, stout-boled small, evergreen tree growing 3 - 7 metres tall (10 - 15 metres in New Guinea) with prop roots and thick, forking stems[, , ].
The plant is cultivated within its native area and is said to have significant commercial potential as a food crop[, ]. The plant is also grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it is valued for its fragrant flowers[].
Pandanus dubius has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major
threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Indian Ocean - Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to Indonesia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea to the Pacific Islands.

Habitat

Limestone outcroppings[]. Rocky and sandy shores[]. In thickets or forests, growing on coral and rocky shores along the seashore[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally grow well in most moist, well-dained soils and a sunny position[]. Found in the wild on limestone soils[].
Branches do not have dormant buds and so will not resprout if cut back into the old wood[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruits and seed are required.

Edible Uses

Seed - raw or cooked[, ]. Eaten as a relish[]. The taste is similar to that of coconuts (Cocos nucifera)[].

Although no specific records have yet been seen for this species, most members of this genus also have more or less edible fruits and inner leaf bases[].
The cylindrical fruit is a syncarp made up of a number of individual drupes[]. Individual drupes are hard, woody wedges - each containing a few, slender seeds[]. Each wedge has a fleshy base imbued with a sweet-smelling, orange pulp that in many species has a delicious flavour[]. This pulp needs to be cooked in order to destroy a deleterious substance[].
Inner base of young leaves - raw[].

Medicinal

The young shoots are used in the treatment of food poisoning[].

Other Uses

The waxy leaves are dried and woven into water-resistant mats[]. The leaves are used for coarse mats and wicker-work, and also for roofing and for making umbrellas[, , ].
Fibres from the brace-roots are made into cordage, which is used for the seats of chairs, beds etc[].

The leaves are used as a wrapping material when preparing (i.e. cooking) sago - the starch is enwrapped with the leaves and is then baked[].

The entire fruit cluster is often used for fiesta decoration[].

Propagation

Seed - best pre-soaked for 24 hours prior to sowing[].

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