Rattan, Rotang, Rattan Cane

Calamus rotang

Physical Characteristics

Calamus rotang is an evergreen Climber growing to 25 m (82ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The plant is not self-fertile. 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.

Distribution

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Myanmar.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Shoots Edible Uses: Edible portion: Shoots, Fruit. Young shoots - cooked and eaten as a vegetable[ 317 ]. Fruit - raw[ 2 ]. When ripe the fruit is roundish, as large as a hazelnut and is covered with small, shining scales, laid like shingles, one upon the other. The subacid pulp which surrounds the kernel is sucked out and eaten as a means of quenching the thirst[ 2 ]. Sometimes the fruit is pickled with salt and eaten at tea-time[ 2 ]. The globose fruits are about 13mm in diameter.

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Febrifuge Vermifuge The wood is vermifuge. The leaves are used in the treatment of biliousness and diseases of the blood. The root is used in the treatment of chronic fevers and as an antidote to snake venom.

Known Hazards

None known