Calamus spp.

Tropical Asia, Africa, and Australasia

SunPart Shade – Full Shade

HardinessZones 10–12

Overview

Calamus spp. is the largest genus of palms, with around 400 species in the family Arecaceae, spread through the tropics and subtropics of Asia, Africa, and Australasia, with the greatest diversity in South-East Asia. Most species are climbing, spiny palms - the rattans - whose slender, flexible stems can reach 30-100 ft (10-30 m) or more as they scramble through rainforest canopy, though a few are short and clumping. The pinnate leaves often extend into a whip-like, hooked tip armed with backward-pointing spines that grip surrounding vegetation. Stems, leaf sheaths, and leaf stalks are usually densely spiny. Small flowers are borne on branched clusters, and most species are dioecious, with separate male and female plants; the rounded fruits are covered in overlapping scales. Calamus spp. is the main source of commercial rattan cane used for furniture and basketry. The genus needs a warm, humid, frost-free climate, moist but well-drained soil, and shade to part shade when young. The climbing habit and spines limit its garden use to tropical collections and plantations.

Native Range

Calamus spp. is native to the tropics and subtropics of Asia, Africa, and Australasia, from West Africa through India and South-East Asia to southern China, New Guinea, and northern Australia, with its centre of diversity in South-East Asia. The genus grows in rainforest and moist forest, climbing through the canopy.

Suggested Uses

Grown in tropical and botanical gardens and in rattan plantations rather than general landscapes, where the spiny climbing stems are harvested for cane. A few clumping species are kept as foliage plants in warm, humid sites. Given the spines and reach, plants are positioned away from paths and seating.

How to Identify

Recognised as a climbing, very spiny palm with pinnate leaves that often end in a whip-like, hooked extension used to grip surrounding plants. Stems and leaf sheaths are densely armed with spines. Branched flower clusters give rounded fruits covered in overlapping scales.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height30' - 100'

Width/Spread3' - 10'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Across the genus, small flowers are carried on branched clusters emerging among the leaves, in warm-season cycles that vary with species and climate. Most species are dioecious, so male and female flowers occur on separate plants. Scaly rounded fruits follow on female plants.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

cream to yellow

Foliage Description

green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunPartial Shade SunFull Shade

Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.5 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam clay

Drainagemoist

Water & Climate

Water Needs

High

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

5-10 years

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Grow in a warm, humid, frost-free climate in moist but well-drained, humus-rich soil. Most species take shade to part shade when young and more light as they climb toward the canopy. Steady moisture and high humidity matter most, as the genus does not tolerate drought, cold, or dry air. Strong support or surrounding trees are needed for the climbing stems. The dense spines make handling and pruning hazardous. Feeding through the warm season supports the fast climbing growth of established plants.

Pruning

Routine pruning is limited by the dense spines. Remove only dead leaves and old fruiting stems, cutting carefully because of the backward-pointing barbs. In clumping species, thin out old or dead canes at the base.