Pandanus microcarpus is a species of plant in the family Pandanaceae,[2] endemic to Mauritius.

Pandanus microcarpus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Pandanales
Family: Pandanaceae
Genus: Pandanus
Species:
P. microcarpus
Binomial name
Pandanus microcarpus

Description

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This small (5-6m), slender, freely branching tree can be distinguished from its closest relatives by its drooping, dark yellow-green leaves with red marginal spines.

It can also easily be distinguished by its small (7–9 cm), oval, red to purple fruit-head, which is born on a twisted, recurved stalk. Each fruit-head is packed with 75-200 2.5 cm-long drupes. The exposed top of each drupe is flat or slightly convex (not forming a domed or pyramid shape). Unusually for its genus, it sometimes bears staminodes.

Habitat

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It is endemic to Mauritius, where it was once widespread. Its habitat is now largely destroyed. Its natural habitats are rivers and swamps in medium-rainfall areas of Mauritius.

References

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  1. ^ Tezoo, V. (TPTNC).; Strahm, W. (2000). "Pandanus microcarpus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2000: e.T39436A10238323. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2000.RLTS.T39436A10238323.en. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  2. ^ "Pandanus microcarpus Balf.f." Plants of the World Online. The Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. n.d. Retrieved August 1, 2020.