Calamus leptospadix- Rattan Palm

[Eric in Orlando]

This is Calamus leptospadix, a climbing Rattan Palm native from eastern Nepal to NE India and N. Myanmar. It can climb 70-75ft up but has slender canes 1-2cm in diameter. The rattan made from the canes is low quality and mostly used for baskets.

This palm climbs by aid of flagella. These are long, whip-like structures that are a sterile inflorescence. The are armed with small, hooked spines that latch onto other vegetation and help anchor and pull the palm up. Only palms belonging to Calamus develop flagella. The trunks and leaves are also armed with sharp spines.

This specimen at Leu Gardens has reached about 6ft tall so far.

Here is a flagella growing from the trunk and attaching to the tree and the foliage of some climbing aroid vines (Amydrium medium and Philodendron subincisum).

[Tropicgardener]

Great photos........I simply love Calamus, had all of the Australian species in my previous garden.....they should be more widely grown.

[DoomsDave]

Eric, that's a pretty species. Kapoho used to sell them; they're very tolerant of cool, so they're great out here, too. I had a couple that made adorable - if not cuddly - houseplants for an air-conditioned office. When they're small they look like little bitty armed-to-the-teeth Teddy Bear palms, with needles instead of fuzz.

If you know where to get some, shoot me a PM.

[Eric in Orlando]

Great photos........I simply love Calamus, had all of the Australian species in my previous garden.....they should be more widely grown.

I wish seed from some of the Australian species would become available. Several of those should have some cold hardiness.

[Eric in Orlando]

Eric, that's a pretty species. Kapoho used to sell them; they're very tolerant of cool, so they're great out here, too. I had a couple that made adorable - if not cuddly - houseplants for an air-conditioned office. When they're small they look like little bitty armed-to-the-teeth Teddy Bear palms, with needles instead of fuzz.

If you know where to get some, shoot me a PM.

Dave, I grew this one from seed from RPS. They get Calamus seed occasionally.

[edric]

Nice palm Eric, Ed