Description
Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) is a tropical, evergreen plant renowned for its fragrant leaves and its wide range of uses in cooking, craft, and traditional medicine. Native to Southeast Asia, pandan thrives in warm, humid conditions with rich, moist, well-drained soil, and prefers a position in full sun to part shade. In northern parts of Australia, pandan can be grown outdoors year-round, while in cooler areas it may require protection during colder months.
The long, narrow, bright green leaves are highly aromatic, releasing a distinctive sweet, vanilla-like scent when crushed. In culinary traditions, pandan leaves are widely used to flavour rice, desserts, and curries, often tied in knots or blended into pastes. The plant’s fragrance is sometimes compared to that of basmati rice or almond. While primarily used fresh, the leaves can also be dried or frozen for later use.
Beyond its culinary role, pandan has traditional medicinal uses, with anecdotal reports suggesting benefits for reducing inflammation, supporting blood sugar balance, and promoting relaxation. However, scientific research on its medicinal properties remains limited. Additionally, pandan leaves are used in weaving and craftwork to create mats, baskets, and other traditional items.
In permaculture systems, pandan offers a multi-functional plant that provides food, craft material, habitat, and shade. It is particularly valuable in tropical and subtropical garden designs, contributing to biodiversity and supporting a range of useful functions within the system.
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