I have always been fascinated by those tall, spindly, almost cactus looking like trees with spikey leaves that seem to thrive on the Pacific-rim island beaches. Those of you who have traveled south-east Asia or the Pacific Islands will know what I mean. The 'Pandanus genus' has approximately 600 species and varieties around the region and can grow as high 20 metres.

In Nusa Lembongan island, the local Pandanus is called the 'p. tectorius'species in latin and seems to very much enjoy the beach-side sandy soil of the beaches and is certainly very tolerant of the salt spray from the ocean. There is something almost primeval about the way these trees cling to the earth and spread their spikey canopies. The habit of growing prop roots from existing branches has resulted in the locals calling this 'the walking tree'.


Pandanus makes for a spectacular beach side flora around the island of Nusa Lembongan but especially in the south-western part of the island. There are excellent examples of the trees at the Devil's Tear, Dream Beach and the Sunset Beach areas. The owners of recently completed villas here have tried wherever possible to keep the Pandanus trees integrated into the building - they make for a superb nutural component of a landscaped garden on a picturesque paradise tropical island.

As well as their strange form, the Pandanus trees can be appreciated for their colourfull beauty of reddish and orange fruit. There are no known human uses of the fruit or flowers, but they are an attractive part of the tree and seem to be very popular in attracting fruit bats and squirrels. Thoughout Asia and the Pacific islands, even in the forests in Bali or driving around the roads away from Kuta you can see that some of these trees are actually temples or places of worship, and are maybe 10m wide around the base and up to 200 years old.
The leaves of the Pandanus species are widely used for weaving many things including traditional matts and other local products to use and sell. The leaf extract from one particular species which is now widely cultivated, is also used as an aromatic flavouring in both savoury and sweet cooking recipes.

So when you visit the paradise islands of Bali and Nusa Lembongan, take a few moments to appreciate the wonderful local culture and just how amazing these primeval trees really are.

with thanks to  nusalembongannews.blogspot.com