North America Native Plant

Pandanus

Botanical name: Pandanus macrojeanneretia

USDA symbol: PAMA32

Native status: Native to Pacific Basin excluding Hawaii  

Growing Pandanus in Your Pacific Garden: A Unique Native Choice If you’re looking to add a distinctive tropical touch to your garden and live in the Pacific region, you might want to consider the pandanus (Pandanus macrojeanneretia). This native plant brings an exotic flair that’s perfectly suited to its island ...

Growing Pandanus in Your Pacific Garden: A Unique Native Choice

If you’re looking to add a distinctive tropical touch to your garden and live in the Pacific region, you might want to consider the pandanus (Pandanus macrojeanneretia). This native plant brings an exotic flair that’s perfectly suited to its island home, though it comes with some specific growing requirements that make it a plant for dedicated gardeners rather than casual green thumbs.

Where Does Pandanus Call Home?

Pandanus macrojeanneretia is native to the Pacific Basin, specifically thriving in Guam and Palau. This makes it a fantastic choice for gardeners in these regions who want to embrace their local flora and support native ecosystems. As a true native, it’s naturally adapted to the unique climate and conditions of these Pacific islands.

Why Choose This Native Pandanus?

Choosing native plants like this pandanus comes with several advantages. Native species are typically better adapted to local weather patterns, soil conditions, and seasonal changes. They also support local wildlife and contribute to preserving the natural character of your region’s landscape.

However, it’s worth noting that specific information about Pandanus macrojeanneretia’s particular characteristics is quite limited in available horticultural literature. This suggests it may be a less commonly cultivated species, even within its native range.

What to Expect When Growing Pandanus

Members of the Pandanus family are known for their unique architectural form and tropical appearance. While we don’t have specific details about this particular species’ size, growth rate, or exact care requirements, pandanus plants generally offer:

  • Distinctive, sculptural form that adds dramatic interest to landscapes
  • Adaptation to coastal and tropical conditions
  • Potential for use as specimen plants or in tropical-themed gardens

Growing Considerations

Since specific growing information for Pandanus macrojeanneretia is limited, potential growers should proceed with caution. Here’s what we recommend:

  • Research local horticultural resources in Guam or Palau for specific growing advice
  • Connect with local native plant societies or botanical gardens
  • Consider this plant only if you’re in its native range of Guam or Palau
  • Be prepared for a potentially challenging growing experience due to limited cultivation information

Is This Plant Right for Your Garden?

Pandanus macrojeanneretia might be right for you if:

  • You live in Guam or Palau where it’s native
  • You’re passionate about growing native species
  • You enjoy the challenge of working with less common plants
  • You have access to local expertise or resources

However, you might want to consider other options if you’re looking for a well-documented, easy-to-grow plant with readily available care information.

Supporting Native Plant Conservation

If you do decide to grow this pandanus, make sure to source it responsibly. Work with reputable local nurseries or native plant organizations that can provide ethically collected or propagated specimens. This helps protect wild populations while allowing you to enjoy this unique native species in your garden.

Growing native plants like Pandanus macrojeanneretia is ultimately about more than just adding another species to your garden—it’s about connecting with and preserving the natural heritage of your Pacific island home.

Pandanus

Classification

Group

Monocot

Kingdom

Plantae - Plants

Subkingdom

Tracheobionta - Vascular plants

Superdivision

Spermatophyta - Seed plants

Division

Magnoliophyta - Flowering plants

Subdivision
Class

Liliopsida - Monocotyledons

Subclass

Arecidae

Order

Pandanales

Family

Pandanaceae R. Br. - Screw-pine family

Genus

Pandanus L. f. - screwpine

Species

Pandanus macrojeanneretia Martelli - pandanus

Plant data source: USDA, NRCS 2025. The PLANTS Database. https://plants.usda.gov,. 2/25/2025. National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC USA