Pandanus multispicatus

Pandanus multispicatus
Pandanus multispicatus is a slender, low-growing shrub.
Conservation status
Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Order:	Pandanales
Family:	Pandanaceae
Genus:	Pandanus
Species:	P. multispicatus
Binomial name
Pandanus multispicatus Balf.f.

Pandanus multispicatus (Vakwa de Montanny) is a species of plant in the family Pandanaceae, one of four species in this family that are endemic to the Seychelles.

Description

This is the only Pandanus of Seychelles that does not become a tree, but rather grows as a low, sprawling shrub up to 4 m (13 ft) high, the thin stems often lying decumbent along the ground. The fruit bodies resemble corn cobs. Each contains 200-400 individual fruit segments, and several fruit bodies are born together on a stalk.

Distribution and habitat

It grows mainly in rocky areas and was previously very common in the higher mountains of Seychelles (the reason for its local name, "Vakwa de Montanny"). Formerly widespread, it is currently restricted to only eight small and isolated populations.

Other indigenous Pandanaceae of the Seychelles include Martellidendron hornei, Pandanus sechellarum, and Pandanus balfourii. The Madagascan species Pandanus utilis is introduced and is now also widespread.