Question 1

What is Pandanus odoratissimus used for in Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

In Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic tradition, different parts of Pandanus odoratissimus are used for different purposes. The roots are associated with diuretic and anti-inflammatory preparations, the fragrant male flower spikes yield an oil and distillate with cooling properties, and the leaves have been used in external poultices. The plant is catalogued as a formal medicinal species in Sri Lanka's Ayurvedic plant inventory.

Question 2

Where does Pandanus odoratissimus grow in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

The screwpine grows mainly in coastal habitats across Sri Lanka — on sandy beaches, river mouths, lagoon margins, and the edges of mangrove systems. It is most dense along the southwestern and northwestern coastlines, though it is also common on the eastern coast. The plant favours well-drained or seasonally waterlogged sandy substrates where it anchors itself with characteristic stilt roots.

Question 3

What is the Sinhala name for Pandanus odoratissimus?

Accepted Answer

Pandanus odoratissimus is locally known as thala (තල) or wetakeyiya in Sinhala. In Tamil-speaking regions of Sri Lanka, it is called thazhampoo, a name that also refers to the fragrant flower spike used in garlands and religious offerings.

Question 4

Is Pandanus odoratissimus the same as rampe used in Sri Lankan cooking?

Accepted Answer

No, though they are closely related. The plant most commonly used in Sri Lankan cooking is Pandanus amaryllifolius, known locally as rampe, which has a softer leaf and a strong vanilla-like aroma when crushed. Pandanus odoratissimus is the coastal screwpine, valued more for its fragrant flowers, medicinal roots, and leaf fibre than as a culinary herb, though there is some overlap in traditional coastal usage.

Question 5

What does Pandanus odoratissimus look like?

Accepted Answer

It is a branching shrub or small tree, typically 3–4 metres tall, with long sword-shaped leaves arranged in a tight spiral around the stem — the feature that gives the screwpine its name. Distinctive prop roots emerge from the lower trunk and extend into the ground. The male flower spikes are intensely fragrant, and the large aggregate fruit resembles a pineapple in shape and size.

Question 6

Can I see Pandanus odoratissimus on a boat tour in Sri Lanka?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pandanus plants are clearly visible on many boat tours through Sri Lanka's coastal wetlands, particularly in the Madu Ganga lagoon system near Balapitiya in the Southern Province. The plant grows along the water's edge and on small islands within the estuary, making boat-based excursions one of the most scenic ways to observe it in its natural habitat.

Question 7

Is Pandanus odoratissimus fragrant?

Accepted Answer

The male flower spikes of Pandanus odoratissimus are notably fragrant, producing a sweet, floral scent that is used to make kewra water and essential oil in South Asian traditions. The leaves have a milder, slightly grassy aroma when crushed. The plant's fragrance has made it a traditional source of perfume, flavouring, and cosmetic ingredients across its native range.

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