Marita (Pandanus conoideus)

Family: Pandanaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

A tropical red fruited screw pine with a large fruit that can reach up to three feet long. About 30 varieties of red fruit are grown, but only four varieties have high economic value. The red fruit is high in oil and is a staple oil crop.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Edible Portion: Fruit, Spice. The red fruit is high in oil. The ripe fruit is cooked then the juice mixed with water to make a sauce. To do this, a ripe marita fruit is normally split into 3 sections along its length. — Edible Portion: Fruit, Spice.; The red fruit is high in oil.; The ripe fruit is cooked then the juice mixed with water to make a sauce.; To do this, a ripe marita fruit is normally split into 3 sections along its length.

Habitat & North American Range

A tropical plant. It grows throughout PNG from sea level up to 1650 m altitude. It becomes common above 500m. It can be up to 2,500m above sea level. (Zone 10)