Rotan Rays. Radial Leaf Rotan
Calamus radiatus

Family: Arecaceae

What it is like

The stems of Calamus radiatus are used as material in making baskets, bottoms of chairs, and in tying. Thin strips that are elastic and pliable are made from the stems which can be used as very strong ropes for towing, or for making the frames for hats. Common Names: Rattan

Calamus radiatus is an evergreen Climber growing to 50 m (164ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 50

Where it is found

Damp lowland forests at elevations below 300 metres.

E. Asia - Sri Lanka.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Coming Soon

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 4

Other uses rating: High (4/5). Other Uses The stems are used in basketry, as a tying material etc. Although they can be many metres long, they only attain the thickness of a pencil. In addition to their use in basket making, the stems are used for making the bottoms of chairs, for which purpose they are first split into long thin strips to render them elastic and pliable. When twisted, they can be used as very strong ropes for towing purposes. Finally, the thin strips cut from this cane are used for making the frames for hats used by some of the working classes in Sri Lanka.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Furniture: A few miscellaneous uses that do not fit easily into other headings.

String: Plants that can be used for string or can be easily made into a string. See also Fibre. Plants for ropes may be included.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

Most species in this genus are more or less vigorous climbing plants in rainforests. In general, they are likely to grow best with their roots in the shade but with their stems able to grow up to the light. They are also likely to grow best in a humus-rich soil. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Propagating it: Seed

Best place to grow:

Habit: Climber

Hardiness: 11-12

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Common Names: Rattan, Rotan Rays. Radial Leaf Rotan

Synonyms

Palmijuncus radiatus (Thwaites) Kuntze