the screw-pines in these pictures belong to the same family as the common pandan plant (panadanus latifolius), the fragrant leaves of which are used in cooking and also for warding off cockroaches, especially in singapore taxis. it actually serves two purposes: repelling the cockroach and at the same time, giving off a nice scent.
the screw-pine is not a pine, it is actually a tropical tree. it is best grown as a free-standing specimen with plenty of room. this tree grows to a height of 8m but also grows as wide. its habit is to branch in tiers with its top in a pyramid shape.
this tree wants full sun. it is not fussy about soil content and it is also salt tolerant. screw-pines can be found growing along the sea-shore.
the roots are significant with many brace roots increasing in number and size and width over time.
according to my friend, the prop roots, which anchor the tree firmly onto the ground, look and work like screws, hence the name. however, according to another source, the name comes from the fact that the leaves emerge from the stem in cockscrew like arrangement.
the fruit which is a bit round is edible. it can be eaten raw or you can have it cooked.
the pictures of the screw-pines were taken at fort canning park and botanic gardens.
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