[4][5] The leaf bases are expanded laterally to form ligules, that is, thin membranous extensions of the leaf blade which overlap with neighbouring ligules, creating traps for water and biotic debris.

[4] This species was described by the German-Dutch botanist Carl Ludwig Blume, who spent much time working on the flora of the Dutch East Indies (now Indonesia).

His description was based on material provided by the Dutch collector Alexander Zippelius, and was published in his book Rumphia in 1837.

[6] The giant climbing pandan grows in rainforest at altitudes from sea level to around 200 m (660 ft),[4][5] often in gullies near rivers and streams.

[1] As of 27 April 2023[update], it has not been assessed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).