| Pandanus subglobosus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Order: | Pandanales |
| Family: | Pandanaceae |
| Genus: | Pandanus |
| Species: | P. subglobosus |
| Binomial name | |
| Pandanus subglobosus | |
Pandanus subglobosus is a dioecious tropical shrub in the screwpine genus. It is endemic to Madagascar. The specific epithet, "subglobosus", refers to the nearly-round fruits.[1] The accepted name for this species is now Pandanus oligocarpus.[2]
Description
Pandanus subglobosus is a shrub with main stems green to gray, 5 – 7 m tall, 3 – 4 cm in diameter and studded with rough points. The stems are supported by numerous 2 – 3 m long prop roots that are about 2 cm in diameter. Leaves are up to 40 cm long and 4 – 7 mm wide, green above and pale below with dark green veins.[1]
Flowers and fruit
Flower clusters develop at the tip of the stem. Female flower clusters produce a single, complex fruit, a syncarp, 3.5–4 cm in diameter. It is nearly round (globose) and made up of (5)-6-(7) green drupes.[1]
Distribution and habitat
Infrequent in low scrub forests of dry sand plains. The species was first described in 1961, found along the northwest coast of Madagascar, in the Majunga area.[1]
Taxonomy
Pandanus subglobosus is a member of the section Microstigma. Its closest relative is P. oligocarpus Martelli.[1]