220 / 476
GENERAL
Origin
:
tropical
Vigour
:
slow-growing
Humidity
:
semi-arid, semi-
humid, very
humid
Propagation :
cuttings
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
vulnerable
Dessication :
vulnerable
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
medium
Salinity/ppm :
moderate (3000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
+3°C
SHAPE
Type
:
shrub
Height
:
4 m-6 m
Spread
:
3 m-4 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
white
Size
:
3 cm
Period
:
February - April
Smell
:
scented, flower
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
berry
Fruit size
:
20 cm
Toxicity
:
edible when
processed
Native to Polynesia, the variegated Screw Pine is a slow-growing, suckering shrub up to 6 metres
high, with thick aerial roots and distinctive green- and yellow-striped leaves. There are many
species of the genus: P. utilis and P. veitchii are also successful in Arriyadh. This species has few
branches and rarely flowers: it produces rosettes of arching, linear, spiny yellow leaves, up to 1
metre long, with green margins, when mature. Male and female flowers lack petals and are borne
on separate plants. Female flowers resemble small, red-coloured pineapples when fertilised. The
Screw Pine has a high drought tolerance, but grows well in moist, sandy, clayey, alkaline soils,
even with high salinity. It does best with regular irrigation, minimal in winter, and fertilising
monthly from spring to summer. It is a very adaptable plant, although it prefers hot, dry condi-
tions; propagation is by cuttings, which root readily when placed directly in the soil. It is occa-
sionally infested by scale insects. Amongst the uses of Pandanus are the leaves used for weaving
material for clothes, dyes collected from the roots and treatment of inflammation. A palm-like
tree, it makes a spectacular accent in garden landscapes, but requires sufficient space. It is also an
attractive screen when planted on the edge of a lake. Very little maintenance is necessary when
planted in groups in a park.
219
Pandanus sanderi,
Pandanaceae
Screw Pine