Thatch Screwpine

It is a symbol of cultural, health and economic importance in the Pacific and is second only to Coconut.

Its fruit is eaten raw or cooked and is a significant source of food in Micronesia. It is one of the traditional foods of Maldivian cuisine.The fibrous fruit is also used as a natural dental floss.

Its leaves are used as flavoring for sweet dishes like jams and said to have medicinal properties. In Sri Lanka, the leaves are used to flavour a variety of curries and the Polynesians use it to make baskets, mats, thatch roofs and grass skirts.