Pandaceae

Pandaceae is a botanical family of flowering plants, belonging to the order Pandanales. The family consists of three genera: Pandanus, Freycinetia, and Martellidendron. These genera encompass a variety of growth forms, including trees, shrubs, and climbers, all characterized by their distinctive structural and morphological features.

Pandaceae are primarily found in tropical and subtropical regions of the Old World, particularly in Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, Madagascar, and parts of Africa. The distribution varies by genus; Pandanus is the most widespread, while Martellidendron is restricted to the Seychelles.

Key characteristics of Pandaceae include their prop roots (in Pandanus), which provide stability in often swampy or sandy environments, and their spirally arranged leaves, which are typically long, narrow, and have sharp, often serrated margins. The plants are usually dioecious, meaning that individual plants bear either male or female flowers. The flowers are typically small and inconspicuous, arranged in inflorescences. The fruits are often drupes or syncarps (multiple fruits fused together), which are dispersed by animals or water.

Species within Pandaceae play various ecological and economic roles. Some species are important sources of food, fiber, and construction materials for local communities. The leaves are used for weaving mats, baskets, and roofing materials, while the fruits and young shoots are consumed as food. Additionally, some species are used in traditional medicine.

The taxonomy of Pandaceae has been subject to revisions based on molecular phylogenetic studies. While the inclusion of the three genera is generally accepted, further research continues to refine our understanding of the relationships within the family and its placement within Pandanales.