Påhong

Påhong
Adult female Pandanus dubius tree
Scientific classification
Kingdom	Plantae
Clade	Angiosperms
Clade	Monocots
Clade	Commelinids
Order	Pandanales
Family	Pandanaceae
Genus	Pandanus
Species:	dubius
Binomial name:
Pandanus dubius Spreng.
Synonyms
No synonyms listed

Påhong (Pandanus dubius) is a type of pandanus tree found along the coastlines and hillsides of the Mariana Islands. Known for its large, rounded fruit head and strong aerial roots, påhong grows in a variety of habitats and is often recognized as a familiar part of the island landscape. While not typically used for weaving, it plays an important role in protecting shorelines and providing shade and food for wildlife.

Cultural uses

• Seeds are extracted and eaten.
• Whole fruit heads are used as decorations during festivities.
• Leaves are occasionally used for coarse mats but not preferred.

Botanical notes

The following description is based on Stone’s 1967 study of Pandanus in the Marianas.

• Leaves commonly well over 10 cm broad, thick, with a blunt tip and short acumen.
• Male inflorescences have yellow bracts.
• Cephalium is depressed-globose, commonly over 20 cm wide.
• Drupes mostly 1-celled with one vertical stigma, sometimes 2–4-celled with multiple stigmas.
• Strongly glaucous and somewhat purplish.
• Pithy structure with thin endocarp and large seeds, often 15 cm or longer.

• 
  Påhong tree
• 
  Påhong tree
• 
  P. dubius female inflorescence
• 
  P. dubius female inflorescence
• 
  P. dubius male inflorescence
• 
  P. dubius male inflorescence
• 
  P. dubius male inflorescence
• 
  P. dubius fruit
• 
  P. dubius fruit
• 
  P. dubius fruit

External links

• Pandanus dubius – Wikipedia
• Pandanus dubius – Kew Science