A large genus restricted to the Old World tropics. Mostly sea coast or marsh plants- note the prop roots (stilt-like aerial roots) and perfect spiral arrangement of their long, sword-shaped leaves. These plants, not surprisingly, are characteristic of Pacific Islands. The leaves and the roots of P. utilis are used like those of palms for rope, baskets, paper, nets, thatch and matting, and the fleshy fruits of some species are used as food.