Most Singaporeans are familiar with the Fragrant Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) which produces fragrant leaves that find numerous uses in our local cuisine. That plant adopts a clumping growth habit and lives happily both in dry land or in water. In the Pandanaceae family, which the Fragrant Pandan belongs to, contains numerous other plants. One of which is Freycinetia cumingiana, which is also commonly called the Climbing Pandan.
Freycinetia cumingiana is an evergreen climber that feature stems that can grow up to 2 m long. Slender roots grow along the stem which help the plant to attach to a tree, shrub or rock on which it is growing. The slender leaves of Freycinetia cumingiana are dark green and leathery and can grow up to 25 cm long. Each is pleated into an ‘M’ shape and has spines along the margins, similar to those seen in the Fragrant Pandan. For me, a clump of Freycinetia cumingiana looks like a bamboo plant when viewed from a distance.
Besides its interesting growth habit, plant collectors grow this plant also for its ornamental bright red-orange floral bracts. (bracts are modified leaves that on this plant resemble flower petals). Freycinetia cumingiana is native to Tropical Asia, Malesia and Philippines. This species is cultivated on Maui for sale as cut flowers throughout the United States. The Kalanguya tribesmen in the Philippines pound the roots of this plant for fibers to sew a hunter’s coat.
Going back to the Fragrant Pandan, we know that it has never been recorded to produce flowers. Note that Freycinetia cumingiana is dioecious which means that the male and female flowers are produced on separate plants, although on occasion, the same plant will produce both flower sexes. Male and female flowers are densely produced on white cylindrical spikes housed in the middle of the bracts, while female flowers consist of several ovaries. Clusters of three or four flower spikes containing either male or female flowers are borne at the terminal ends of branches.
Freycinetia cumingiana is easily propagated from stem-cuttings. For higher rate of success, choose stem tips with roots already developed. These stem sections will root easier. Freycinetia cumingiana is forest plants so they are best grown under shade in an outdoor garden. Grow this plant in well-draining, slightly acid soil that is kept most at all times.
