Pandanus labyrinthicus (PROSEA)
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Introduction |
- Family: Pandanaceae
Vernacular names
- Indonesia: pandan (tunjang) rasau (Sumatra), alohakai (Simeuluë)
- Malaysia: pandan rasau.
Distribution
West coast of Sumatra, perhaps Java.
Uses
The leaves are brittle and less suitable for plaiting work, though they are used for this purpose. The split stems, with the spiny outer layer and the core removed, are made into fairly durable plaited walls.
Observations
A dioecious shrub, 3-6 m tall, with the stem growing in an erecto-patent or horizontal direction for a long time, turning to all sides, emitting many criss-cross growing prop roots, which form an impenetrable labyrinth. Leaves linear, 1.3-2 m × 2.5-4.5 cm, margin and midrib below armed with prickles up to 4 mm long, apex gradually tapering into a triquetrous point, shiny green. Male inflorescence spicate, pendulous, 50-60 cm long, with numerous spikes arranged in a raceme; bracts linear-lanceolate; staminal phalanges 8-15 mm long, apically with 12-18 umbellate, distinctly stalked anthers. Female inflorescence pendulous, consisting of 8-13 spicately arranged heads; carpels ellipsoid-obovoid, 1.5-2.5 cm long, ripening as a bright orange drupe, stigma subulate or forked, endocarp near the middle, with a flat top. Fruit a syncarpous polydrupe, rounded-ellipsoid, 8-12 cm × 6-8 cm. P. labyrinthicus occurs in swampy locations and along river banks. According to B.C. Stone, P. labyrinthicus is classified in subgenus Rykia , section Rykia .
Selected sources
6, 20, 71, 176.
Authors
M. Brink, P.C.M. Jansen & C.H. Bosch
