| Calamus rotang | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Calamus |
| Species: | C. rotang
|
| Binomial name | |
| Calamus rotang | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Calamus rotang, also known as common rattan, is a plant species native to India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar (Burma). It is one of the scandent (climbing) rattan palms used to make Malacca cane furniture, baskets, walking-sticks, umbrellas, tables and general wickerwork, and is found in Southwest Asia. The basal section of the plant grows vertically for 10 metres or so, after which the slender, tough stem of a few centimetres in diameter, grows horizontally for 200 metres or more. It is extremely flexible and uniform in thickness, and frequently has sheaths and petioles armed with backward-facing spines which enable it to scramble over other plants. It has pinnate, alternate leaves, 60–80 cm long, armed with two rows of spines on the upper face.[2]
The plants are dioecious, and flowers are clustered in attractive inflorescences, enclosed by spiny spathes. The edible fruits are top-shaped, covered in shiny, reddish-brown imbricate scales, and exude an astringent red resin known medicinally and commercially as "dragon's blood".[3]
The canes are sought-after and expensive, but have to a large extent been replaced by sticks made from plants, such as bamboos, rushes and osier willows.[4]
- ^ "The Plant List, Calamus rotang". Archived from the original on 2021-01-14. Retrieved 2014-04-19.
- ^ India Biodiversity Portal, Calamus rotang L., common rattan
- ^ "Missouri Botanical Garden". Archived from the original on 2016-03-03. Retrieved 2008-11-26.
- ^ "Rattan Palm". Archived from the original on 2008-12-27. Retrieved 2008-11-26.