SafePlants

Freycinetia: A Botanical Overview

Freycinetia is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Pandanaceae, commonly known as the screwpalm family. This genus includes approximately 180-200 species, and several of these species are commonly known as climbing pandans.

Considerations for Pets

• Some Freycinetia species are described as woody climbers, which could potentially pose a risk of splinters if chewed by pets.
• The presence of fleshy, brightly colored bracts and red berries in some species may attract the attention of pets, and ingestion should be avoided.

Considerations for Children

• Some Freycinetia species are described as brittle, woody climbers. The brittle nature of the plant could create small pieces if broken.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Freycinetia Gaudich.
• Family: Pandanaceae (screwpalm family)
• Rank: Genus
• Synonyms:
  • Freycinetia angulata C.B.Rob. ex Martelli
  • Freycinetia excelsa F.Muell.
  • Freycinetia baueriana subsp. baueriana

Common Names

• 'Ie'ie, 'ie (Hawaiian, for Freycinetia arborea)
• Kiekie (for Freycinetia banksii)
• Climbing Pandan (for Freycinetia sumatrana var sumatrana)
• Freycinetia (English, for Freycinetia storckii)

Distribution and Habitat

• Freycinetia species are found in coastal or marshy areas.
• Specific locations mentioned include:
  • Pacific Islands (Freycinetia arborea)
  • New Zealand (Freycinetia banksii)
  • Main Hawaiian Islands and Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa, Nuku Hiva) (Freycinetia arborea)
  • Northern Territory, Australia (Freycinetia excelsa)
  • Mount Nyiut-Sambas (New species discovery)
  • Mount Ka'ala, O'ahu; Manoa Cliff Tr., O'ahu; Halawa Tr., O'ahu (Freycinetia arborea)

Morphological Characteristics

• Evergreen climbers with stems that can grow from 0.5-2 meters long.
• Densely branched, brittle, woody climbing shrubs or vines.
• Slender roots grow along the stem, attaching to surfaces.
• Some species have fleshy, often brightly colored bracts and red berries.
• Leaves can be flax-like or lance-shaped.

Ecological Role

• The water that collects at the bases of Freycinetia arborea leaves provides a breeding site and juvenile habitat for two Hawaiian endemic damselfly species.

Quirky Facts

• Freycinetia banksii is considered a tropical outlier as the only member of the screw-pine family present in New Zealand.
• The genus is named after Admiral Louis de Freycinet (1779-1842) who was a 19th-century explorer.

Additional Information

• ARKive offers photos and facts about Freycinetia.
• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden offers information on Freycinetia multiflora.