Pandan

*Pandanus amaryllifolius*

How to know it

Long, narrow, glossy green leaves growing from a low clump, similar in shape to lemongrass but wider, smoother and darker, with no sharp edge. Bruise a leaf and the smell arrives immediately.

What it does

The leaves flavour rice, cakes and drinks across the whole region, and give the green colour in traditional sweets. Bunches are also placed in cars and rooms as an air freshener, and in some places under seats to keep cockroaches away.

Safety

Completely safe to handle and to taste. Nothing on this plant will hurt anyone.

Two things to do with children

Bruise a leaf, then a lemongrass leaf, then a mint leaf, and have children sort them into strong and gentle. Pandan usually sits in the middle, which produces a useful argument.

Tie a leaf in a knot, which is how it is added to cooking, and let children smell it before and after. The knot releases far more scent and children notice immediately.