Pandanus 'Hala' (Screw Pine)

Tough serrated leaves distinguish this Australian native Pandanus, but the large Screw Pine fruits can be used as pulp to flavour fruit-based desserts and sweet sauces, and is also used in jams and chutneys. Seeds can be eaten after roasting. The leaf fibre is used traditionally to make string and in basketry. Leaf shoots and root tips are also used as traditional medicines. It is not to be confused with Pandanus amaryllifolius, a much smaller and edible cousin, widely used in Asian cooking. Screw Pine fruit is high in beta-carotene and can help to prevent vitamin A deficiency. The Hala, or Screw Pine makes for a very ornamental plant, well suited to backyard gardens as a feature tree. A small tree up to 6 m in height and 4 m wide the leaves spiral out from the central growing shoot. It has unique aerial prop roots that emerge from the trunk to support the tree as it grows. Screw pine grows naturally by the sea, and is well adapted to seaside conditions. There are male and female trees, with only female trees producing the fruit. The entire fruit is about 25cm across, and resembles a pineapple (at least at a glance). Screw pine is adaptable to a range of situations, including sites away from the coast. Generally preferring frost free, full sun conditions and well-drained soils, avoid poorly drained soils. It can take up to 20 years for female trees to produce the fruit, but is well worth it as the tree is a spectacular ornamental. To ensure that there is female and male trees for pollination, plant at least three seedling trees, but planting a group of five is also ideal if you have the space!