Urchin-fruited Pandan / Scrub Breadfruit
Origin of name
Family: PANDANACEAE
- Benstonea in honour of Benjamin C. Stone
- monticola meaning “mountain-dwelling”
Occurrence
Not a local plant. Grows in understorey of undisturbed rainforest from Hinchinbrook Is. north to Cedar Bay.
Needs well-drained soil. Tolerates full shade to full sun. Prefers some shade, but fruits best with more sun. Responds to mulch and watering in dry periods.
Appearance
Palm-like shrub (2-4m) with strap-like leaves arranged spirally and crowded at branch ends. Sometimes climbs. Has no prop roots. Leaf margins spiny. Male and female flowers on separate plants. Spiny fruit ripens to bright red.
Fruit reputed to be edible, but can irritate the mouth. Food plant of the peppermint stick insect. Fruit are eaten by cassowaries and giant white-tailed rats.
Image coming soon