Common name: Screwpine Tree, Pineapple Tree
Status: Canoe Plant
Scientific name: Pandus tectorius
Where to Find: Mesic coastal areas and low elevation mesic valleys
This tree has a very unique look. It has a a singular trunk with multiple aerial connecting it to the ground. The leaves are blade-like roughly two inches wide and two feet long. Most varieties have spines along the sides of the leaves, but there are a few varieties that are spineless. Hala has both a male and a female plant. Male plants have a large white or cream colored cluster that is filled with tiny fragrant flower. In Hawaiian, these one foot clusters are called hinano. On the other hand, female plants are adorned with large segmented fruits that somewhat resembles pineapples. Female trees flower one to three times a year, whereas the males trees flower every two months.
