Pandanus julianettii

Martelli

Karuka

Pandanaceae Edible: Leaves, Oil, Root, Seed

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Description

Pandanus julianettii is an evergreen Shrub growing to 4 m (13ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid and saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Edible Uses

Oil. Seeds. The seeds are oily and contain a fair amount of protein. Sometimes the inner leaves and the tips of the aerial roots are eaten cooked.

Distribution

Australasia - New Guinea.

Where It Grows

AUSTRALASIA: New Guinea

Cultivation

Plants grow best in areas where the mean annual temperature is within the range 13 - 24c, but can tolerate 6 - 30c. They may tolerate temperatures as low as 0c for short periods and down to 3c for prolonged periods. They prefer a mean annual rainfall in the range 3,000 - 4,000mm, tolerating 2,500 - 4,000mm. Succeeds in sunny positions and in light shade. Prefers a well-drained, humus-rich, light to medium soil. Prefers a pH in the range 4.5 - 5.5, but tolerates 3.5 - 5.6. Plants can be harvested for their fibre the first time 6 - 8 years from planting, with an economical life of 20-40 years and with a total lifespan of up to 70 years. Require 90-120 days from flowering to fruiting and have no obvious seasonality. This species has potential for commercial use. Branches do not have dormant buds and so will not resprout if cut back into the old wood. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruits and seed are required.

Propagation

Seed - best pre-soaked for 24 hours prior to sowing. Commonly vegetative cuttings of the top section of a branch is used for planting. This is suitable for a tree that has several branches. Sometimes karukas develop young suckers or shoots near the ground. When these are seen, they are broken off and replanted from these vegetative suckers. Trees from cuttings produce after 5-8 years. Seedling trees are slower to produce and have a taller straighter trunk.