Pandanus amaryllifolius - Pandan

Beautiful dwarf spineless pandanus with aromatic leaves, used as a herb in S.E. Asia cuisine.

It is grown as an ornamental plant because of the low, elegant growth habit. The neat rosette quickly grows in a dense clump of glossy green bold foliage 1-1,2 m tall. Pandanus amaryllifolius is almost spineless: one of the few species with few or no spines in the genus. It is also sterile and never sets seeds so it can only be propagated by cuttings.

It is one of the smallest pandanus species and grows easily in pots and can be protected in winter. It likes warm conditions and must be kept above 5 C. If well irrigated, it grows better in full sun, but it can also take some shade.

It is a very popular herb in SE Asia, widely for use as a flavoring in cooking. The leaves are used fresh or frozen often for rice dishes. They have a nutty, pleasant fragrance reminiscent of basmati rice. It is the most basic flavour of Thai desserts, often with a bright green colour.