Common Name: freycinetia
Type: Herbaceous perennial
Family: Pandanaceae
Native Range: Philippines
Zone: 10 to 12
Height: 5.00 to 6.00 feet
Spread: 5.00 to 6.00 feet
Bloom Time: March to May
Bloom Description: Orange
Sun: Part shade
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Medium
Suggested Use: Naturalize
Flower: Showy
Leaf: Evergreen
Other: Winter Interest
Culture
Best in moist but well-drained soils in bright but indirect or filtered sun. Thrives in climates where temperatures range from 85°F during the day to 65°F at night. Totally intolerant of frost. This plant is a climbing shrub (leaves will attach to tree trunks). Plants will sucker from the base.
Noteworthy Characteristics
Freycinetia multiflora, commonly called climbing pandanus, is a dioecious, climbing or scrambling shrubby plant of the screw pine family that is native to the Philippine Islands. Boat-shaped, three-petaled orange flowers bloom in spring. This plant typically grows to 5-6’ tall, but will grow taller when climbing on tree trunks or large shrubs. Narrow lanceolate leaves (to 12” long and 3/4” wide).
This genus was named by Charles Gaudichaud Beaupre (1789-1854), botanist who first collected and described the genus Freycinetia in honor of Admiral Louis Claude de Saulses de Freycinet (1779-1842), French naval officer, cartographer and navigator who explored Australia and islands in the Pacific.
Specific epithet comes from the Latin words multi meaning many and flora meaning flowers.
Problems
No known serious insect or disease problems.
Uses
Tropical plant that is winter hardy to USDA Zone 10. May be grown as a houseplant in containers that are best placed in a curtain-filtered sunny window.