Pandanus 'Bakong'

Pandanus 'Bakong' or 'Pahong' (Pandanus dubius) is not a palm, although to many it may look kind of palm-like. Pandanus dubius, also known as knob-fruit Screwpine, is a coastal evergreen woody tree native to South East Asia, New Guinea and the Western Pacific.

It sports the impressive hallmark Pandanus 'prop roots' when mature. The smooth upright trunk has many horizontal spreading branches covered in old leaf scars which spiral around them like a screw. At the end of each branch, 3 strap-like leaves that are extra wide with a tough, waxy texture make up a spiral rosette, blue-green to dark green in colour. Like most Pandanus, the leaf margins are spiny (be warned). 

Considered one of the best-looking of the Pandanus genus, the Bakong produces many pale brown prop roots at the base of the trunk as it matures to help support and anchor it. Young plants are quite ornamental and can be grown happily in a greenhouse,  conservatory or warm sunny spot inside.

Availability: Very limited. This plant is virtually unheard of in NZ and may well be the first time it has ever been offered.