What are the morphology, origin, fruit edibility and effects of the tree pandanus?

Pandanus, also called lincha, false pineapple, wild pineapple, etc., is a common ornamental tree species. So, what does the tree pandanus look like? Where does it grow? Can its fruit be eaten? What effects and functions does it have?

1. What does the tree pandanus look like? Where does it grow?

Pandanus is an evergreen branching shrub or small tree, often twisted to the left and right, with many-branched or unbranched aerial roots.

It grows on sandy seaside ground or is introduced for planting as hedges. It likes light and prefers a high-temperature, humid climate; it is suited to coastal sandy ground and often grows on seaside sandy ground.

It is produced in Fujian, Taiwan, China, Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Guizhou and Yunnan provinces and regions. It is also distributed in tropical Asia and southern Australia.

2. Can its fruit be eaten? What effects and functions does it have?

The fruit of pandanus can be eaten: its aggregate fruit is made up of numerous drupes and resembles a pineapple; the drupes are hard on the outside, soft at the base, and contain fibrous material in the middle that allows them to drift with water; inside are the seeds, which are sweet and edible. Its stem tip buds can also be used in dishes and taste like spring bamboo shoots.

Pandanus fruit is sweet in taste, slightly sour, neutral in nature, and enters the stomach and kidney meridians;

it has the effects of quenching thirst and relieving restlessness, strengthening the spleen and quenching thirst, reducing swelling, dispelling dampness, and sobering up and boosting qi;

it can be used for indigestion, enteritis and diarrhea, summerheat injury, fever and thirst, etc., and can also be used as auxiliary treatment for hypertension and dizziness, and weakness and lack of strength in the hands and feet.

3. How do you select pandanus fruit?

When selecting pandanus fruit, pay attention to three aspects: color, aroma and taste. Pandanus fruit that is green, hard and has no aroma is not ripe enough; when the color has already turned from yellow to brown, the body of the fruit is soft, and it gives off a strong fragrance, then the fruit is ripe. Squeeze the fruit; if juice spills out, it means the fruit has already spoiled and can no longer be eaten.