Screw pine is classified in the order Pandanales, family Pandanaceae. Pandanus is a genus of monocots. Often recognized as pandanus palms, these plants are not closely related to palm trees. The species vary in size from small shrubs less than 1 meter tall to medium-sized trees 20 m tall, typically with a broad canopy, heavy fruit, and moderate growth rate. The trunk is stout, wide-branching, and ringed with many leaf scars. Mature plants can have branches. Depending on the species, the trunk can be smooth, rough, or warty. Pandanus Panorama: Scented Splendor of IAB 43
The roots form a pyramidal tract to hold the trunk. They commonly have many thick stilt roots near the base, which provide support as the tree grows topheavy with leaves, fruit, and branches. These roots are adventitious and often branched. The top of the plant has one or more crowns of strap-shaped leaves that may be spiny, varying between species from 30 centimeters to 2 m or longer, and from 1.5 cm up to 10 cm broad. 44
Screw pines, which belong to the Pandanus family, are a unique bunch. They might be called "pandanus palms," but they are not exactly palm trees. These plants come in all sizes, from tiny shrubs to medium-sized trees with a broad top, chunky fruit, and a decent growth speed. Their trunks are thick, and we can often spot lots of marks from where leaves used to be. Some of them even end up with branches. The trunk can look smooth, rough, or even a bit bumpy, depending on the species. See the hand 45
They have interesting pyramid-like roots near the bottom that prop up the trunk. As the plant grows bigger and gets more leaves, fruit, and branches, these roots give it a helping hand. At the very top, we should be able to find a bunch of long, strapshaped leaves which look like a crown. They can be spiky and come in all sorts of sizes, from as small as a ruler to longer than human beings. The width can range from thin to about the width of our hand. 46
Their leaves have more to offer than just looks as they have some practical uses such as crafts and weaving, cooking, medicinal purposes, aesthetic décor, roof thatching, fiber production, essential oils, natural packaging, and traditional practices. The screw pine is s more than to meet our eyes, they are a versatile resource that can be turned into all sorts of handy and beautiful things. The Versatile Weaves 47
The harmonious interplay of colors, light, and ambiance, painting vivid pictures of the breathtaking moments when the sun rises and sets over the IAB landscape. It evokes a sense of wonder and awe, inviting me to immerse myself in the captivating beauty of these celestial performances at the campus. I am speechless, how about you? The Sunrise and Sunset Symphony at IAB The aurora embrace The dramatic dance of dawn and husk 48
The Cloud Canvas Painting the Heavens with ethereal strokes A sweet delight of fluffy clouds The serenity in the blanket of clouds 49
The captivating backdrops for sunset and sunrise beauties 50
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I am truly grateful to IAB for gifting me moments of meaningful tranquility and boundless joy within its nurturing embrace. The diverse ecosystem of IAB was my sanctuary, enveloping me in a tapestry of serenity and wonder that rejuvenated my spirit during my stay here. My gratitude extends to the individuals who, though not physically present by my side during my explorations, shared in the joy of my journey. Their support, encouragement, and shared enthusiasm echoed through my heart as I roamed the pathways of IAB, connecting me to a larger montage of human connections. My Introspection of My One Month at IAB 52
With heartfelt thankfulness, I acknowledge the blessings showered upon me by IAB's nurturing embrace and the intangible presence of kindred spirits that accompanied me on this journey of discovery and introspection. Done & 53 dusted!
from Land Below the Wind 54