Pandanus Trees

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Pandunus Tree has a thin trunk and easily bent limbs. It does not grow any branches until it emerges from the surface of the water, where it then splits into many thin, spindly limbs which grow upwards towards the sky. The leaves of the tree are dark green and about the size of an average hand. When the tree begins to bear fruit in warm weather the branches bend downwards towards the water from the weight, but rarely snap as they are quite pliant.

Genetics and Reproduction

Pandanus fruits are quite heavy, and will only float on the surface of the water if they are not properly ripe. Those which are ripe will sink down to the bottom of the ocean, where they will eventually burst and their seeds will spread across the nearby area, thereby growing the forest. Those fruits which float off will eventually rot, sink, and perform a similar process.

Growth Rate & Stages

Pandanus trees typically grow in relatively deep waters, and so can take dozens of years to grow to a mature size and begin to bare fruit. As a young tree, the Pandanus looks much like a thin stick growing from the bottom of the ocean, as it only obtains its branches once breaching the water.

Ecology and Habitats

It is said that the deeper the water the sweeter the fruit. This is because the longer the Pandanus tree takes to grow, the more mature and sweet its fruit will be. Therefor, a Pandanus fruit which grows in very deep waters will produce sweeter fruits than those which grow in shallow waters.

Biological Cycle

Pandanus trees do best in cold water and warm air, though they are generally resilient to the weather in which they grew. A Pandanus tree does not lose its leaves entirely, but instead will constantly lose leaves every day after growing them, then immediately begin to grow more. The fruits will only grow during warm seasons. If the tree is located in a warm climate, then it will produce fruits year-round. If it is in a climate which experiences temperature shifts, it will only produce fruits in the warmer months. The fruits from those trees which produce year round is considered to be lower quality than from those which only produce for part of the year.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Food staple. Communities built around clusters of Pamantus trees are paid to export their fruits to others. They are common, but not cheap, as they are one of the only fruit sources in the world.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

The same as any standard tree.

Conservation Status

They're fairly common, so no protection is needed.