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Pandan

Pandan is the common name for *Pandanus amaryllifolius*, a tropical plant in the screw pine family (Pandanaceae) grown mainly for its fragrant leaves.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pandan is the common name for *Pandanus amaryllifolius*, a tropical plant in the screw pine family (Pandanaceae) grown mainly for its fragrant leaves. The leaves are widely used to flavour foods and drinks in Southeast Asian cooking, and the plant is also known by names such as fragrant pandan and screwpine. In Canada, pandan appears in multicultural food culture, especially in Southeast Asian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty grocers.

Description

Pandan is a tropical plant with long, narrow, fragrant leaves. It is usually grown as a shrub or small tree and is valued mainly for its scent and culinary use.

Uses

The leaves are used to flavour and colour foods, especially desserts, rice, and drinks. They are commonly used fresh, as an extract, paste, or powder, depending on the recipe.

Distribution and cultivation

Sources describe pandan as native to South and Southeast Asia and widely grown throughout tropical regions. It prefers warm, humid conditions and is often cultivated in home gardens.

Naming and classification

Although the genus *Pandanus* contains many species, the culinary pandan most people mean is *Pandanus amaryllifolius*. It is also called fragrant pandan, screwpine, and pandan wangi.

Key facts

  • Pandan refers most commonly to *Pandanus amaryllifolius*, not to the entire *Pandanus* genus.
  • It is cultivated for its aromatic leaves rather than for edible fruit.
  • The leaves are used in desserts, rice dishes, teas, and savoury dishes across Southeast Asia.
  • The plant thrives in tropical conditions and is commonly grown in gardens in warm climates.
  • The leaves are typically used to infuse flavour and are often removed before serving because they are fibrous.
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Canadian context

Pandan appears in Canadian multicultural food culture, especially in Southeast Asian restaurants, bakeries, and specialty grocers.

Frequently asked questions

What is pandan?
Pandan is the common name for *Pandanus amaryllifolius*, a tropical plant known for its fragrant leaves used in cooking.
Is pandan edible?
The leaves are generally used to flavour food rather than eaten directly, because they are fibrous.
What does pandan taste like?
It is commonly described as sweet, floral, grassy, and sometimes similar to vanilla or coconut.
What is pandan used for?
It is used to flavour desserts, rice, tea, and savoury dishes, and sometimes as a natural green colouring.
Where does pandan grow?
It grows in tropical climates and is native to South and Southeast Asia.
Is pandan the same as screwpine?
Pandan is a common name used for this plant, and screwpine is another common English name for it.

References

  1. Eater — https://www.eater.com/23613557/pandan-filipino-desserts-flavor-leaves
    Supports: Pandan is *Pandanus amaryllifolius*, a perennial shrub in the Pandanus genus; native to South and Southeast Asia; fragrant leaves used in food.
  2. NParks GardeningSG — https://gardeningsg.nparks.gov.sg/page-index/edible-plants/pandan/
    Supports: Common names, culinary uses, fibrous leaves, and cultivation characteristics.
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pandanus_amaryllifolius
    Supports: Common name pandan, tropical plant in the *Pandanus* genus, and culinary use of fragrant leaves.
  4. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/pandanus
    Supports: Genus *Pandanus* description, family Pandanaceae, and broad tropical distribution of the genus.