Ganjam Kewda Rooh

Pandanus fascicularis Lam. Syn. P. Odoratissimus, popularly called kewda or screwpine, is a bushy shrub, and a dominant species in the coastal vegetation of India. It grows abundantly in the coastal regions of Orissa, especially along the Ganjam coast between Rushikulya river to the north and Bahuda river to the south. This particular region is popularly known as the Kewda Belt, and covers an area of approximately 675 km2, 45 km from north to south and 15 km from east to west along the coast of the Bay of Bengal. The unique characteristics of the kewda oil are its high fragrance due to high volatile oil contents, highly influence by the sandy soil and the climatic conditions of the region. Due to its high fragrance it is mainly used for flavouring purpose.