Calamus muelleri
Wait-a-while
Eastern Australia (New South Wales to south-eastern Queensland)
Overview
Calamus muelleri is a climbing palm, or rattan, of the family Arecaceae, with slender, cane-like stems that scramble through rainforest to 33–50 feet (10–15 m) long and about 0.4–0.8 inch (10–20 mm) thick. The pinnate leaves are dark green and bear a long whip-like extension, the cirrus, armed with curved hooks that grip surrounding vegetation. Recurved spines also cover the leaf sheaths and stalks, and these catch on skin and clothing, the source of the name wait-a-while. Small cream to yellow flowers are carried on branched, spiny inflorescences, with male and female flowers on separate plants. The fruit is round to oval, about 0.3–0.4 inch (8–10 mm) wide, covered in overlapping scales and ripening pale brown. C. muelleri grows in the understorey and margins of subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest in eastern Australia, from coastal New South Wales into Queensland. It needs warmth, shelter, and constant soil moisture and is damaged by frost and drying winds. The hooked spines make placement near paths or work areas impractical.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia, in the understorey and margins of subtropical and warm-temperate rainforest from coastal New South Wales into south-eastern Queensland.Suggested Uses
Used in warm rainforest and subtropical gardens as a climbing accent on sturdy supports or established trees. Suited to sheltered, shaded, moist positions. The spines limit its use near paths, seating, and play areas.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height33' - 50'
Width/Spread6' - 13'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
cream to yellowFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 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