Pandanus tectorius's Behavior & Ecology
Grow on a wide variety of coastal soils, including sandy and rocky beaches, raised coralline terraces and recent basalt (lava flows). They are adapted to shallow, saline, sodic, alkaline, and thin and nutrient poor soils over limestone and peaty swamps. They also grow well in soils with free or impeded drainage, including seasonally waterlogged soils. They are very tolerant of salt laden winds and salt spray and also of strong and steady winds. This tree have a capacity to regenerate rapidly from seed in fallen fruit segment. It is not normally cultivated in the Maldives. However, it can be propagated by seed and branch cuttings. Seed can be collected from intact phalanges (keys) by keeping them in cool tap water for about five days, changing the water daily. Viable phalanges will float. They can be sown directly or propagated in a nursery. Seedlings 4 to 12 months old can be used for outplanting. Branch cuttings are made form shorter laterals including one or more aerial or prop roots and the length of the cuttings normally ranges from 20 to 40 cm. Leaf area of the branch cuttings is reduced by about 70% by cutting or trimming the leaves. Cuttings should be planted immediately after collection for high rate of establishment and growth.