Calamus rotang aka Rattan

Calamus rotang is a climbing palm in the Arecaceae family. People call it rattan cane or rattan palm. Kew gives its native range as southern India and Sri Lanka. Other sources list Myanmar too. It grows in the wet tropics. Reports place it in freshwater swamp forests near the coast. They also place it by streams in low hill valleys.

This palm stays green all year. It grows long, thin stems with no branches. The stems have spines and can exceed 98 feet [30 metres]. Published sizes give its height as 82 feet [25 metres]. One source gives a spread of 16 feet [5 metres]. Another summary gives a much wider spread, so its width remains unclear. The leaves are pinnate, with leaflets set like a feather. They grow in turn on each side of the stem. Their upper sides have spines. Flowers grow in groups inside spiny sheaths called spathes. Separate plants bear male and female flowers. Both sexes must grow together to form fruit and seed.

The round fruits are about half an inch across. Small, shiny scales overlap on the skin. Tart flesh wraps around the seed inside. People eat the flesh raw or pickle the fruit with salt. They cook the young shoots as a vegetable too. Both plant databases list no known hazards. This does not prove safety for pets or every plant part. Folk medicine uses the wood to treat worms. Records also list leaf and root cures for several ills. These are reports of use, not proof that the treatments work.

Plants For A Future says it grows fast in moist soil that drains well. It lists sand, loam and clay as suitable soils. Soil can be slightly acid, neutral or slightly alkaline. The plant grows in part shade or full sun. It needs a frost-free climate. The listed USDA range is 11–12. Its long, spiny stems need space to grow. The evidence gives no pest or disease details for this species. It says little about its use for garden display.

Rattan cane has clear uses beyond the garden. People cut wild stems for local use and export. Growers have tried growing the plant in India as an experiment. Records note that people grow it in Cuba too. Split cane goes into baskets and furniture. The inner cane forms furniture frames and basket work. The outer peel makes strips for weaving seats and bags. Whole stems or twisted lengths make strong ropes too. These uses make stems the main crop people take from the plant.