Pandanus simplex

Pandanus simplex is an economically important species of Pandanus endemic to the Philippines. It is commonly known as karagumoy or kalagimay. Its leaves and fibers are used widely in the Philippines for thatching, ropes, and weaving various traditional handicrafts like baskets and banig mats.

Taxonomy

Pandanus simplex was first described by the American botanist Elmer Drew Merrill in 1905. It is classified under the subgenus Kurzia, section Utilissima.

Description

Karagumoy typically grows to tall. It has a round trunk around in diameter that is either unbranched or have a few branches. Prop roots emerge from the trunk near the base. It has dark green elongated and very thick leaves, around long and wide, with small sharp spines at the edges. The leaves are spirally-arranged leaves at the end of branches.
Karagumoy is dioecious with separate male and female plants. The fruits resemble jackfruit. They have an elongated capsule shape covered with small spines. They are typically or longer in length, and in width or wider.

Habitat

Karagumoy is found in forests in low to medium elevations.

Uses

Karagumoy leaves and fibers are widely utilized in the Philippines in weaving mats, baskets, hats, and other traditional woven products. They are also used to make ropes or thatching. They are cultivated in farms. Mature leaves are harvested once every three months. The fruits and shoots of the karagumoy are also edible.