Pandan (Vanilla Grass)

Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius) is a rainforest ground cover plant native to Southeast Asia. Having the nickname "Poor Man's Vanilla" it is highly valued for both its culinary and medicinal uses. Besides being right at home in a tropical landscape, it does well as a house plant, or centerpiece of a container garden. It has long, narrow green leaves make it look like a cross between ornamental grass and a small palm tree.

Pandan leaves are frequently used to flavor various dishes, desserts, and beverages in Southeast Asian cuisine.  Rice, custards, cakes, and coconut milk-based beverages are favorites for infusing Pandan into.

Beyond its culinary uses, Pandan is also utilized in traditional medicine in some cultures for its potential health benefits. It is believed to have antioxidant properties and may offer various health-promoting effects, although scientific research on its medicinal properties is ongoing.