STORY BEHIND THE ART OF MARIKO IKEDA

20th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists & The Horticultural Society of New York

Screw pine

Pandanus utilis 

Pandanus utilis is the first work I began to paint about the genus Pandanus. This species is native to Madagascar, but it is now widely distributed around the world as a horticultural species. After beginning this first work, the Pandanus theme has captivated me. It made me visit Micronesia and Guam to collect the fruit. I am fascinated and addicted to their exotic beauty.

Genus Pandanus has more than 600 species, so much work needs to be done to describe the differences of their characters in botanical art. When we look the Pandanus fruit for the first time in the picture, we may imagine it has a linked surface like a durian. Yet, actually, it is a multiple fruit like a raspberry. I took some keys away to show the core and also sliced the keys to show the cross section. I hope my painting helps you to know the inside of the fruit and difference between it and the other species.

Some other species are important food for people living in Micronesia, especially in Atoll. They usually eat the keys. Unfortunately, the key of P. utilis is not edible, but its core tastes like fruity flavored boiled potato. I have heard P. utilis is cultivated in the USA, so if you have a chance, please try them.

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