Calamus australis

Wait-a-while
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Calamus
Species:
C. Australis
Binomial name
Calamus Australis
Synonyms[3]
  • Palmijuncus australis (Mart.) Kuntze
  • Calamus amischus Burret
  • Calamus jaboolum F.M.Bailey
  • Calamus obstruens F.Muell.

Calamus australis, commonly known as wait-a-while, hairy mary or lawyer cane, is a plant in the palm family Arecaceae which is endemic to the rainforests of north east Queensland, Australia. Like other species in the genus Calamus, this is a climbing plant with a very long and flexible stem. It uses sharp strong hooks on the fronds and tendrils to attach itself to other vegetation, such as taller established trees, thus gaining support that enables it to grow higher towards the canopy. This species is very similar to C. radicalis, with which it coexists, but is smaller in almost all respects.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference DESQLD was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference APNI was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ a b Cite error: The named reference POWO was invoked but never defined (see the help page).