Pandan is an incredible, lesser known perennial herb that is very important in Southeast Asia. This plant is well adapted to Florida and in the right spot, can form a small colony and grow without much attention. The fibrous leaves of Pandan are somewhat analogous to lemongrass, the flavor is extracted in teas, soups, etc and then discarded before consumption. The leaves have a unique aroma and flavor that can only be described as approximating fine jasmine rice. Our local Thai restaurant serves incredible iced tea with Pandan leaves as a base. Leaves can also be cooked into savory foods and made into extracts that go in desserts. Plants produce suckers along the stem material which produce their own aerial roots, slowly forming a mat of Pandan. Side shoots can be used to propagate new plants. Pandan is tolerant of some shade, making this plant well adapted to food forest style multi storied perennial gardens. Pandan is tolerant to subtropical temperatures but can be killed outright by temps that go below 32F for long. The plants are not especially tall and therefore well worth covering for freeze events. The growth habit of this plant would also lend itself well to long term growth in a large pot that can be moved inside during cold nights. Pandanus amaryllifolius Listing is for a 4 in pot live Pandan plant.
