PIERRE JEAN FRANÇOIS TURPIN (FRENCH, 1775 - 1840). Common Screw Pine.

PIERRE JEAN FRANÇOIS TURPIN (FRENCH, 1775–1840)
“Pandanus Utilis (Baquois Utile)” [Common Screw Pine]
Preparatory drawing for Dictionnaire Des Sciences Naturelles published by Levrault, Paris, 1816. This image was also used in Antoine Jussieu’s Dictionnaire Des Sciences Naturelles in 1837.
Watercolor and pencil on paper, inscribed ‘Pandanus Odoratissmus’ upper left
Frame size approx: 28 1/2 x 22 1/2 in.

Despite its common name, the common screwpine, the Pandanus utilis is a monocot and not a pine. Pandanus utilis was discovered by French naturalist Jean Baptiste Bory de Saint-Vincent. Their name is derived from the spiral arrangement of their leaves around the branches. They are more closely related to grasses, orchids, and palms than to conifer trees.

The fruit of Pandanus utilis is edible, although not flavorful to humans, and must be cooked before consumption. The leaves are more often used to make mats.

This image appeared in Dictionnaire Des Sciences Naturelles, published by Levrault, Paris, 1816.