Screw Pine spp.
The Screw Pines are a genus of palm-like monocots that have hundreds of accepted species in the subtropics and tropics. They are not closely related to true palms, but grow with a wide-branching trunk that has many leaf scars. The strap-shaped leaves are produced in a crown and they produce adventitious roots and fruits that are pineapple-like, with multiple fruits in a globule structure that have prism-like sections. In agricultural cultivation, the Screw Pine has multiple uses, able to bind and stabilize soil, such as sand dunes, for control against erosion from wind or water. Although the fruit is eaten by a wide variety of animals, the seeds are mainly dispersed by water, floating from island to island. The Screw Pines are of major importance culturally, economically and for health reasons to the islands of the Pacific.
The uses of the Screw Pines vary by species, but many are sources of food, fiber for basket weaving, shelter, clothing, bedding, rope, handicrafts, medicine, or religious uses. Fresh Screw Pine leaves are used in Asian and Indian cuisines for the addition of flavor and aroma, and has been referred to as the “vanilla of Asia”. They are often added to sweet dishes, curries, rice dishes and beverages. Several species have edible fruit, which is consumed either raw or cooked. One species, P. julianettii, with many varieties is important for the production of Karuka nuts in New Guinea, which have a flavor like coconut or walnuts. The flowers of the Screw Pine are used to make and extract called Kewra (Kevda) which is used as a flavoring in beverages and desserts, as well as in religious worship in India. The leaves are also used in India to decorate the hair and for their fragrance. P. conoideus has a fruit that produces a long red fruit of economic importance, as a spice, edible fruit and oil. It is also used in traditional medicine for skin and eye health. (Source)
Pandanus tectorius: Australia (North Australia): lower, yellow, pulpy part of drupe eaten. Also, tender white base of leaves eaten boiled or raw. The seeds are baked and soaked to obtain the sweet substance between the fibres and also roasted and broken to obtain the kernels. India: pulpy part of drupe eaten. Hawaii: orange flesh of fruit eaten. India (region not specified): fruit pulp eaten.