Pandanus julianettii
Martelli
Pandanaceae
This species might only represent a cultivar or cultivar group descended from the wild species Pandanus brosimos. Another relative, andanus iIwen, which is reported to be cultivated in Papua New Guinea, might only be a cultivar of the so-called Pandanus brosimos/julianetti complex. The whole needs taxonomic revision[
].
Common Name:
General Information
Pandanus julianettii is an evergreen, erect, sparsely branched, shrub or small tree with large leathery leaves. It can reach a height of 1 - 20 metres[
].
The plants are cultivated, semi-cultivated and harvested from the wild for their edible seeds, which have had a special significance for the nutrition of the native population of New Guinea[
]. Both this species, plus the related P. Brosimos and P. Antaresensis, have had an important role in the history of the human society of the highlands of New Guinea[
]. The plant is also grown for the production of textile fibres[
].
Known Hazards
None known
Botanical References
Range
Australasia - New Guinea.
Habitat
Not known
Properties
Edibility Rating |     |
Other Uses Rating |    |
Habit | Evergreen Shrub |
Height | 4.00 m |
Cultivation Status | Cultivated, Semi-cultivated, Wild |
Cultivation Details
A plant of the humid tropics, where it is found at elevations from 1,700 - 2,900 metres[
]. Plants grow best in areas where the mean annual temperature is within the range 13 - 24°c, but can tolerate 6 - 30°c[
]. They may tolerate temperatures as low as 0°c for short periods and down to 3°c for prolonged periods[
]. They prefer a mean annual rainfall in the range 3,000 - 4,000mm, tolerating 2,500 - 4,000mm[
].
Succeeds in sunny positions and in light shade[
]. Prefers a well-drained, humus-rich, light to medium soil[
]. Prefers a pH in the range 4.5 - 5.5, but tolerates 3.5 - 5.6[
].
Plants can be harvested for their fibre the first time 6 - 8 years from planting, with an economical life of 20-40 years and with a total lifespan of up to 70 years[
].
Require 90-120 days from flowering to fruiting and have no obvious seasonality[
].
This species has potential for commercial use[
].
Branches do not have dormant buds and so will not resprout if cut back into the old wood[
423- Title
- Desert Tropicals
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.desert-tropicals.com/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- The main focus of the site is succulent plants, but it also contains information on a wide range of other species. Usually at least one good photograph, plus basic information about the plant and its cultivation.
].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruits and seed are required.
Edible Uses
Seeds[
]. The seeds are oily and contain a fair amount of protein[
].
Sometimes the inner leaves and the tips of the aerial roots are eaten cooked[
].
Medicinal
None known
Other Uses
A fibre obtained from the plant is used for making textiles[
].
Propagation
Seed - best pre-soaked for 24 hours prior to sowing[
299- Title
- Protabase - Plant Resources of Tropical Africa.
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.prota.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent on-line database with detailed information on over 3,200 species of useful plants of Africa.
].
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