Pandanus amaryllifolius aka Pandan

Pandanus amaryllifolius is also called fragrant pandan. It belongs to the Pandanaceae family. Kew lists its native range as Maluku, in Indonesia. Useful Tropical Plants says its exact origin is not clear. It reports no confirmed place where this plant grows wild. Growers across Southeast Asia raise it for its scented leaves. They also grow it in gardens for its looks.

This woody plant stays green all year. It has two distinct growth forms. The smaller form grows from suckers, with thin stems. It stands about 3–5 feet [1–1.6 metres] tall. Over time, the larger form grows a thick, upright trunk. Garden height listings range from 10–13 feet [3–4 metres]. The larger form can reach 15 feet [4.5 metres]. Plants For A Future gives its spread as 10 feet [3 metres]. The leaves of both forms have the same scent. Picking leaves regularly keeps plants small. Plants left alone can take on the larger form slowly.

No one knows of flowers or fruit in the smaller form. The larger form bears male flower clusters, but very rarely. Sources report no known female flower clusters for this species. So growers have no seed for routine use in growing new plants. They use suckers, side shoots, or stem cuttings instead. The older wood of branches has no dormant buds. These are buds that rest before they grow. Cutting back into that wood will not yield new shoots. Growers can start to pick leaves about six months after planting. They leave three or four leaves at the top.

Fragrant pandan suits warm, moist air in lowland tropical areas. It grows in full sun or light shade. It also grows well with more shade. Use soil that drains well and has a moderate level of nutrients. Plants For A Future lists sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant accepts mildly acid soil or mildly alkaline soil. It also accepts neutral soil. It prefers soil that stays moist or wet. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. Tropical sites that stay wet may help keep the smaller form.

The leaves flavour rice, cassava, teas, cakes, and other sweets. Their juice adds scent and green colour to food. People can also cook and eat the young leaves. Remove leaves used to wrap food before eating it. People use leaves to scent rooms and make perfume. They weave small baskets and make dessert containers and mats. Traditional remedies use the leaves to treat restlessness and skin complaints. These reported uses do not prove medical safety or benefit. The sources list no known hazards.