Pandanus eydouxia

Pandanus eydouxia is a species of plant in the family Pandanaceae, endemic to Mauritius.

The 20–25 cm wide trunk is grey and cracked, while younger stems bear brown leaf-scars.

Leaf margins are lined with tiny, mild, white spines that can age to a yellow or brown.

This species is most easily distinguished by its very large (20–25 cm), rounded fruit-head, that is held up erect on a short peduncle that is densely covered in protective bracts.

Each fruit-head holds 15-25 drupes, that are flat-topped and covered in stigmas, but otherwise variable in shape.

1900 illustration of part of a drupe from a Pandanus eydouxia fruit-head.