Scientific Name: Freycinetia Scandens
Common Name: Climbing Pandanus
Indigenous Use
The fruit is eaten raw.
When to Use
The fruiting period usually occurs from late summer to autumn.
Identification
Leaves: The leaves of Freycinetia scandens, commonly known as Climbing Pandanus, are long, narrow, and strap-like. They typically measure between 30-100 cm in length and 2-4 cm in width. The leaves are arranged spirally around the stems and have a leathery texture, with prominent midribs and finely serrated margins (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Plants of the World Online, 2024).
Stem: The stems of Freycinetia scandens are slender, woody, and can climb or scramble over other vegetation. They can grow up to several meters in length and are equipped with aerial roots that help anchor the plant as it climbs (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Flowers: The flowers of Freycinetia scandens are small, white to creamy-yellow, and are borne in dense, spike-like inflorescences. Each inflorescence is surrounded by brightly colored bracts, which can be orange, red, or yellow, adding to the plant’s ornamental appeal. Flowering typically occurs in the warmer months (Plants of the World Online, 2024).
Fruit: The fruit of Freycinetia scandens is a fleshy, berry-like syncarp, which turns from green to orange or red as it matures. The fruits are generally about 2-4 cm in diameter and contain multiple seeds. The fruiting period usually occurs from late summer to autumn (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Floridata, 2024).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Rainforests: Sub-tropical rainforests usually consist of three strata of trees with up to 60 species making up the canopy, many with large leaves. Palms and strangler figs are common and the undergrowth is luxuriant with many epiphytic or terrestrial ferns and orchids and abundant large climbers of many species. In Queensland, rainforests can be found in well-known locations like the Daintree Rainforest, Lamington National Park, and Mary Caincross Park.
References
Australian National Botanic Gardens (2024). Freycinetia scandens. Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au/freycinetia-scandens [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Plants of the World Online (2024). Freycinetia scandens. Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid
.org:names:77164318-1 [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Floridata (2024). Freycinetia scandens. Available at: https://www.floridata.com/Plants/Pandanaceae/Freycinetia-scandens/842 [Accessed 24 June 2024].
Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D., & Rathie, K., 2008. Mountain to Mangroves: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants.