Pandanus spiralis is a small tree growing up to 10 m tall with a slender trunk, and often with a clumping habit.

[4][5] This species was first described by the Scottish botanist Robert Brown in his book Prodromus floræ Novæ Hollandiæ et Insulæ Van-Diemen, published in 1810.

It grows in savannah woodlands and poorly drained areas such as alongside creeks and rivers, the margins of floodplains, and coastal dunes, on various substrates including sand, alluvium and clay.

[4][5][7][8][9] The dense skirt of old leaves provides a refuge for many forms of wildlife including birds, bats, rodents and lizards.

[10][11] The leaves of this tree are used to weave various products such as neckbands, armbands, baskets, mats, fish traps and shelters, and the fibre can be stripped out to make string for dillybags and other uses.