Brief
The Pandanus tree, often known as screw pine or mengkuang.
Botanical Description
This tree is well-known for its distinctive appearance, with long, narrow, sword-like leaves that spiral around the stem, giving it a “screw-like” pattern. Species vary in size from small shrubs less than 1 m tall, to medium-sized trees 20 m tall, typically with a broad canopy, heavy fruit, and moderate growth rate. The trunk is stout, wide-branching, and ringed with many leaf scars. Depending on the species, the trunk can be smooth, rough, or warty.
Historical / Cultural Significance
The leaves are typically used in traditional crafts, such as weaving mats and baskets. The mengkuang tree is often associated with Malaysian culture, where it is valued for both its practical and cultural significance. The plant is also used for its medicinal properties in some communities. The leaves are often collected from the wild and widely used to make woven items such as mats, hats, and shades. They can also be used as sails for small boats.
Folklore / Etymology
Mengkuang is found in many parts of Malaysia. In Perlis there is a local myth that Mengkuang leaves being exchanged for tobacco between a creature resembling a human, known as “Awang Kenit,” and the villagers.
Another folklore tells of the Penangalan, a mythical creature drawn to the blood of women after childbirth. It is believed that if the Penangalan sucks the blood, the woman will die from excessive bleeding. To protect her, villagers would place thorny Mengkuang leaves around the house, especially in homes with stilts. The legend suggests the Penangalan would avoid these homes, fearing its umbilical cord would get caught on the thorns.