About Pandanus amaryllifolius Roxb. ex Lindl.
Pandanus amaryllifolius, commonly known as pandan, is a tropical plant in the screwpine (Pandanus) genus. It produces fragrant leaves that are widely used as a flavoring in Southeast Asian cuisines, and it is also used in some South Asian cuisines including Sri Lankan cuisine, as well as in Hainanese cuisine from China. Pandanus amaryllifolius is an established cultigen, believed to have been domesticated in ancient times. It is sterile and can only reproduce vegetatively, through suckers or cuttings. It was first formally described based on specimens collected from the Maluku Islands. The rare presence of male flowers in these specimens has led to the suggestion that the Maluku Islands are the origin of the species. This remains conjecture, however, since no other wild specimens of the plant have ever been found. Today, the plant is widely cultivated across Southeast Asia and South Asia. Its leaves are used in the perfume industry and in traditional medicine. Essence extracted from Pandanus amaryllifolius can be used as a substitute for vanilla essence. Scientific studies have confirmed that Pandanus amaryllifolius has repellent activity against American cockroaches (Periplaneta americana L.).
