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. The accepted name for this species is now Pandanus oligocarpus.

Pandanus subglobosus
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Embryophytes
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Spermatophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Pandanales
Family:	Pandanaceae
Genus:	Pandanus
Species:	P. subglobosus
Binomial name
Pandanus subglobosus H.St.John

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.

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.

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.

Taxonomy

Pandanus subglobosus is a member of the section Microstigma. Its closest relative is P. oligocarpus Martelli.