Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Continue Reading
Screw pine

How to identify Screw pine (Pandanus tectorius)

Screw pine, also known as Thatch screwpine, Hala tree, Beach pandan, Corn plant, Ketaki

Screw pine is a compact variety that typically reaches up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height. This houseplant boasts palm-like, strappy foliage, characterized by visible parallel veins. The leaves exhibit a variegated pattern, adding to their ornamental appeal. Ideal growing conditions involve indirect light to prevent leaf scorch, coupled with a warm atmosphere to mimic its preference for humidity. Care should be taken to avoid direct sunlight exposure to maintain the plant's health and appearance.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Screw pine

1

Compact growth up to 2 feet (60 cm), palm-like foliage with variegated pattern.

2

Male flowers with white bracts, female flowers resembling pineapples, about 1 foot (30 cm) in size.

3

Fruit resembling a pineapple, oval shape, 1.6-7.9 inches (4-20 cm) in diameter.

4

Long pleated leaves, 31-71 inches (80-180 cm) in length, with ivory or yellowish stripes.

5

Distinctive brown ringed trunk bark, sharp conical prickles for protection and identification.

Screw pineScrew pineScrew pineScrew pineScrew pine

Detailed Traits of Screw pine

Leaf Features

The leaves of screw pine are long, linear, and pleated, measuring approximately 31 to 71 inches (80 to 180 cm) in length and 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 8 cm) in width. They display a vibrant green hue with variegated ivory or yellowish-white stripes along the edges, creating a golden appearance. The edges and underside of the midrib are lined with numerous spines. The leaves have a distinctive 'V' cross-section and are arranged spirally in clusters at the branch tips.

Leaf Shape

Linear

Screw pine Leaf Shape image
Learn About the Leaf Glossary
Group
Flower Features

The flowers of screw pine display striking sexual dimorphism as the species is dioecious. Male flowers are small, white, and highly fragrant, grouped in racemes and adorned with large white bracts. They last only for a day and form clusters about 1 foot (30 cm) in size. Female flowers resemble pineapples, presenting a globose to subglobose shape. The key identification features include the contrasting white bracts of the male flowers and the unique pineapple-like appearance of the female flowers.

Learn About the Flower Glossary
Group
Fruit Features

The fruit of screw pine is a composite structure, similar in appearance to a pineapple. It exhibits a notable oval shape, generally measuring about 1.6-7.9 inches (4-20 cm) in diameter and 3.1-11.8 inches (8-30 cm) in length. Its initial green hue transitions to a vibrant orange as it matures. Constituting the fruit, each 'fruitlet,' technically known as a drupe, is distinctly wedge-shaped, with a fibrous texture contributing to its floatability in water. These individual segments are arranged collectively to form the entire fruit body.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary
Group
Icon code

Scan QR code to download

More Plants You May Like and How to Identify Them
Img topic
Cape jasmine

Gardenia jasminoides is an evergreen shrub with unique, glossy evergreen leaves and stunning flowers. The sophisticated, matte white flowers are often used in bouquets. The exceptional beauty of this ornamental plant has made it a popular and highly appreciated plant amongst gardeners and horticulturalists.

Img topic
Golden pothos

The golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is commonly seen in Australia, Asia, and the West Indies. It goes by many nicknames, including "devil's ivy", because it is so hard to kill and can even grow in low light conditions. Golden pothos has poisonous sap, so it should be kept away from pets and children.

Img topic
Tomato

Solanum lycopersicum is an annual or perennial herbaceous vine native to Central and South America that produces a large, juicy, edible fruit known as tomato. Today there are over 10000 cultivated varieties. Although tomato is the world’s most popular vegetable, botanically it is a fruit.

Img topic
Pepper

The pepper are commonly used for cooking in places such as the Southern U.S. and Central America. Most are moderately spicy, though because there are so many variants, the spice level can vary dramatically. Cayenne powder is also a popular seasoning product made from pepper plants.

Img topic
Swiss cheese plant

The swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) produces bright, glossy leaves and makes a popular houseplant. It is originally native to tropical forest regions in Central America. The nickname swiss cheese plant refers to the small holes that develop in the plant's leaves. The long fruits resemble corncobs and smell sweet and fragrant when ripe.

Img topic
Bigleaf hydrangea

The bigleaf hydrangea is a deciduous shrub native to Japan, and is known for its lush, oval, colorful inflorescence. The two types of Hydrangea macrophylla are mopheads - with large, ball-shaped, sterile flower clusters, and lace capes - with small round fertile flowers in the center, and sterile flowers on the outer side of each inflorescence. Depending on soil pH, blooms can change color from pink to blue.

Identify Screw pine easily and quickly
We're also capable of identifying over 12,000 types of plants, flowers, succulents, and trees in your surroundings.
Identify a Plant Online

Key Facts About Screw pine

Attributes of Screw pine
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
4 m to 14 m
Spread
6 m to 12 m
Leaf Color
Green
White
Variegated
Flower Color
White
Yellow
Fruit Color
Red
Green
Yellow
Orange
Leaf type
Evergreen
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free

Scientific Classification of Screw pine

Genus
Pandans
Icon allow
Species
Screw pine (Pandanus tectorius)
Learn More About the Screw pine

Distribution Map of Screw pine

Screw pine naturally thrives in tropical regions of the Pacific and Southeast Asia, with a native range that encompasses archipelagos and mainland areas adjacent to the Pacific Ocean. Beyond its original habitat, screw pine has also been introduced and is cultivated across various regions, including parts of South and Southeast Asia, Central America, and even extending to the United States and the Middle East. Its adaptability allows it to be cultivated in diverse environments.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app