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Calamus spp (rattan)

Climate

The Calamus spp prefers a tropical rainforest climate and can be found at altitudes up to 1000 meters.

Common Name

Rattan

Description

Calamus spp, commonly known as rattan, is a group of climbing feather palms found in tropical rainforests of the Old World. They produce edible fruits and have medicinal uses. Rattan canes are harvested and exported, and some species are cultivated in small-scale operations in Southeast Asia.

Genus
Grouping
Other utility
Latin Name

Calamus spp

Origin

Malaysia

Other Relevant Information

- Rattan is a type of climbing palm found in tropical rainforests up to 1000 meters. - Some species of rattan have edible fruit and the fruit is also used for medicinal purposes. - The roots of certain rattan species are pounded, washed, and locally roasted for their starch content. - Rattan is cultivated on a small scale in Southeast Asia, particularly in the Malay Peninsula. - Rattan canes are exported, and they are used for various purposes. - There are about 16 economically important species of rattan. - Rattan is considered an unimproved plant, meaning it has not undergone significant selective breeding or genetic modification.

Related Genus
Soil Preferences

- Tropical rainforest to 1000 m - Unimproved

Specific species
Uses
Suitability to cool temperate climate

Old World: tropical rain forest to 1000 m; rattan canes (to 6 t/ha); edible fruit some spp; fruit for medicinal use; roots of some rattans are pounded, washed and the starches roasted locally Cultivated small scale SE Asia; about 16 economic spp Malay peninsular; canes exported; climbing feather palm. Unimproved.