416 Species of Genus Calamus

Calamus: A World of Climbing Palms

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’m fascinated by the incredible diversity of the plant world. Today, I want to share my enthusiasm for a particular genus of palms – Calamus. These plants, commonly known as rattan palms, are a marvel of nature, exhibiting remarkable adaptations and playing a crucial role in their ecosystems.

What is Calamus?

Calamus is a large genus belonging to the palm family, Arecaceae. It boasts an estimated 416 species, all native to the tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. Unlike the typical image of a palm tree with a single, sturdy trunk, Calamus species are mostly climbing lianas. They have slender, reedy stems that can reach astonishing lengths, sometimes exceeding 200 meters! These stems weave their way through the forest undergrowth, clambering over other plants in their quest for sunlight.

Adaptations for Climbing

The climbing habit of Calamus is facilitated by some ingenious adaptations. Many species have evolved hooks on the underside of their leaves or leaf-like structures called pinnae. These hooks act like grappling hooks, allowing the palm to secure itself to surrounding vegetation. Some species even have modified pinnae that form tendrils, which coil around branches and provide additional support.

A Closer Look at Calamus Species

The sheer number of Calamus species is staggering. Each species has its own unique characteristics, contributing to the rich tapestry of this genus. Here are:

  1. Calamus acamptostachys (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  2. Calamus acanthochlamys J.Dransf.
  3. Calamus acanthophyllus Becc.
  4. Calamus acanthospathus Griff.
  5. Calamus acaulis A.J.Hend., N.K.Ban & N.Q.Dung
  6. Calamus adspersus Blume
  7. Calamus aidae Fernando
  8. Calamus albidus L.X.Guo & A.J.Hend.
  9. Calamus altiscandens Burret
  10. Calamus andamanicus Kurz
  11. Calamus anomalus Burret
  12. Calamus applanatus (A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung) A.J.Hend.
  13. Calamus arborescens Griff.
  14. Calamus aruensis Becc.
  15. Calamus arugda Becc.
  16. Calamus ashtonii J.Dransf.
  17. Calamus asperrimus Blume
  18. Calamus asteracanthus (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  19. Calamus ater (J.Dransf.) W.J.Baker
  20. Calamus australis Mart.
  21. Calamus axillaris Becc.
  22. Calamus bacularis Becc.
  23. Calamus badius J.Dransf. & W.J.Baker
  24. Calamus baiyerensis W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  25. Calamus balerensis Fernando
  26. Calamus balingensis Furtado
  27. Calamus banggiensis (J.Dransf.) W.J.Baker
  28. Calamus bankae W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  29. Calamus baratangensis Renuka & Vijayak.
  30. Calamus barbatus Zipp. ex Blume
  31. Calamus barfodii W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  32. Calamus barisanensis A.J.Hend.
  33. Calamus batanensis (Becc.) Baja-Lapis
  34. Calamus beccarii A.J.Hend.
  35. Calamus bicolor Becc.
  36. Calamus billitonensis Becc. ex K.Heyne
  37. Calamus bimanifer T.Evans, Sengdala, Viengkham, Thamm. & J.Dransf.
  38. Calamus boniensis Becc. ex K.Heyne
  39. Calamus bousigonii Pierre ex Becc.
  40. Calamus brandisii Becc.
  41. Calamus brevicaulis (A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung) W.J.Baker
  42. Calamus brevissimus A.J.Hend.
  43. Calamus brunneus A.J.Hend., Pitopang & Moh.Iqbal
  44. Calamus bulubabi W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  45. Calamus burckianus Becc.
  46. Calamus burkillianus Becc. ex Ridl.
  47. Calamus caesius Blume
  48. Calamus calapparius Mart.
  49. Calamus calciphilus A.J.Hend.
  50. Calamus calicarpus Griff.
  51. Calamus calospathus (Ridl.) W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  52. Calamus capillosus W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  53. Calamus carsicola Adorador & Fernando
  54. Calamus caryotoides A.Cunn. ex Mart.
  55. Calamus castaneus Griff.
  56. Calamus caurinus A.J.Hend. & Rustiami
  57. Calamus centralis A.J.Hend., N.K.Ban & N.Q.Dung
  58. Calamus ceratophorus Conrard
  59. Calamus cheirophyllus J.Dransf. & W.J.Baker
  60. Calamus ciliaris Blume
  61. Calamus cinereus A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung
  62. Calamus clivorum A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung
  63. Calamus cockburnii J.Dransf.
  64. Calamus compsostachys Burret
  65. Calamus comptus J.Dransf.
  66. Calamus concinnus Mart.
  67. Calamus concolor (Blume) W.J.Baker
  68. Calamus confusus (Furtado) W.J.Baker
  69. Calamus conirostris Becc.
  70. Calamus conjugatus Furtado
  71. Calamus conspectus W.J.Baker
  72. Calamus convallium J.Dransf.
  73. Calamus crassifolius J.Dransf.
  74. Calamus crinitus (Blume) Miq.
  75. Calamus cristatus (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  76. Calamus croftii J.Dransf. & W.J.Baker
  77. Calamus cumingianus Becc.
  78. Calamus cuthbertsonii Becc.
  79. Calamus dasyacanthus W.J.Baker, Bayton, J.Dransf. & Maturb.
  80. Calamus deerratus G.Mann & H.Wendl.
  81. Calamus delicatulus Thwaites
  82. Calamus densifloropsis A.J.Hend.
  83. Calamus densiflorus Becc.
  84. Calamus depauperatus Ridl.
  85. Calamus dianbaiensis C.F.Wei
  86. Calamus didymocarpus Warb. ex Becc.
  87. Calamus diepenhorstii Miq.
  88. Calamus digitatus Becc.
  89. Calamus dilaceratus Becc.
  90. Calamus dioicus Lour.
  91. Calamus discolor Mart.
  92. Calamus disjunctus A.J.Hend.
  93. Calamus distentus Burret
  94. Calamus divaricatus Becc.
  95. Calamus divergens A.J.Hend., Pitopang & Moh.Iqbal
  96. Calamus dongnaiensis Pierre ex Becc.
  97. Calamus dracunculus (Ridl.) W.J.Baker
  98. Calamus dumetosus (J.Dransf.) A.J.Hend. & Floda
  99. Calamus egregius Burret
  100. Calamus elegans Becc. ex Ridl.
  101. Calamus erectus Roxb.
  102. Calamus erinaceus (Becc.) Becc.
  103. Calamus erioacanthus Becc.
  104. Calamus erythrocarpus W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  105. Calamus essigii W.J.Baker
  106. Calamus eugenei W.J.Baker
  107. Calamus evansii A.J.Hend.
  108. Calamus exiguus A.J.Hend.
  109. Calamus exilis Griff.
  110. Calamus fertilis Becc.
  111. Calamus filipendulus Becc.
  112. Calamus filispadix Becc.
  113. Calamus fissilis A.J.Hend., N.K.Ban & N.Q.Dung
  114. Calamus flabellatus Becc.
  115. Calamus flagellum Griff. ex Walp.
  116. Calamus floribundus Griff.
  117. Calamus formicarius (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  118. Calamus formosanus Becc.
  119. Calamus furvus A.J.Hend.
  120. Calamus gaharuensis A.J.Hend.
  121. Calamus gajoensis A.J.Hend. & Rustiami
  122. Calamus gamblei Becc.
  123. Calamus geniculatus Griff.
  124. Calamus gibbsianus Becc.
  125. Calamus glaucescens (Blume) D.Dietr.
  126. Calamus godefroyi Becc.
  127. Calamus gonospermus Becc.
  128. Calamus goramensis A.J.Hend.
  129. Calamus gracilipes Miq.
  130. Calamus gracilis Roxb.
  131. Calamus griseus J.Dransf.
  132. Calamus guruba Buch.-Ham. ex Mart.
  133. Calamus hallierianus (Becc. ex K.Heyne) W.J.Baker
  134. Calamus harmandii Pierre ex Becc.
  135. Calamus heatubunii W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  136. Calamus helferianus Kurz
  137. Calamus henryanus Becc.
  138. Calamus heteracanthopsis A.J.Hend.
  139. Calamus heteracanthus Zipp. ex Blume
  140. Calamus heteroideus Blume
  141. Calamus hirsutus (Blume) Miq.
  142. Calamus holttumii Furtado
  143. Calamus hookerianus Becc.
  144. Calamus horrens Blume
  145. Calamus hosensis A.J.Hend.
  146. Calamus hukaungensis A.J.Hend.
  147. Calamus impressus A.J.Hend., Pitopang & Moh.Iqbal
  148. Calamus inermis T.Anderson
  149. Calamus ingens (J.Dransf.) W.J.Baker
  150. Calamus inops Becc. ex K.Heyne
  151. Calamus insignis Griff.
  152. Calamus insolitus A.J.Hend.
  153. Calamus insularis A.J.Hend.
  154. Calamus interruptus Becc.
  155. Calamus jacobsii W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  156. Calamus javensis Blume
  157. Calamus johanis A.J.Hend.
  158. Calamus johndransfieldii W.J.Baker
  159. Calamus johnsii W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  160. Calamus kampucheaensis A.J.Hend. & Hourt
  161. Calamus kandariensis Becc.
  162. Calamus karuensis Ridl.
  163. Calamus katikii W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  164. Calamus kebariensis Maturb., J.Dransf. & W.J.Baker
  165. Calamus kinabaluensis A.J.Hend.
  166. Calamus kingianus Becc.
  167. Calamus kjellbergii Furtado
  168. Calamus klossii Ridl.
  169. Calamus kontumensis A.J.Hend., N.K.Ban & N.Q.Dung
  170. Calamus koordersianus Becc.
  171. Calamus kostermansii W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  172. Calamus kubahensis A.J.Hend.
  173. Calamus kunstleri (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  174. Calamus lakshmanae Renuka
  175. Calamus lambirensis J.Dransf.
  176. Calamus lamprolepis (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  177. Calamus laoensis T.Evans, Sengdala, Viengkham, Thamm. & J.Dransf.
  178. Calamus lateralis A.J.Hend., N.K.Ban & N.Q.Dung
  179. Calamus latifolius Roxb.
  180. Calamus latus A.J.Hend.
  181. Calamus lauterbachii Becc.
  182. Calamus laxissimus Ridl.
  183. Calamus leiocaulis Becc. ex K.Heyne
  184. Calamus leloi J.Dransf.
  185. Calamus lengguanii A.J.Hend.
  186. Calamus leptopus Griff.
  187. Calamus leptospadix Griff.
  188. Calamus leptostachys Becc. ex K.Heyne
  189. Calamus lobatus A.J.Hend., Pitopang & Moh.Iqbal
  190. Calamus lobbianus Becc.
  191. Calamus loherianus (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  192. Calamus longibracteatus W.J.Baker
  193. Calamus longipes Griff.
  194. Calamus longipinna K.Schum. & Lauterb.
  195. Calamus longisetus Griff.
  196. Calamus longispatha Ridl.
  197. Calamus longiusculus A.J.Hend.
  198. Calamus lucysmithiae W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  199. Calamus macrochlamys Becc.
  200. Calamus macropterus Miq.
  201. Calamus macrorhynchus Burret
  202. Calamus macrosphaerion Becc.
  203. Calamus maculatus (J.Dransf.) W.J.Baker
  204. Calamus mahanandensis S.Mondal, S.K.Basu & M.Chowdhury
  205. Calamus maiadum J.Dransf.
  206. Calamus malawaliensis J.Dransf.
  207. Calamus manan Miq.
  208. Calamus manglaensis A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung
  209. Calamus manillensis (Mart.) H.Wendl.
  210. Calamus marginatus (Blume) Mart. ex Walp.
  211. Calamus maturbongsii W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  212. Calamus megaphyllus Becc.
  213. Calamus meghalayensis A.J.Hend.
  214. Calamus melanacanthos Mart.
  215. Calamus melanochaetes (Blume) Miq.
  216. Calamus melanochrous Burret
  217. Calamus melanoloma Mart.
  218. Calamus melanorhynchus Becc.
  219. Calamus metzianus Schltdl.
  220. Calamus micracanthus Griff.
  221. Calamus micranthus Blume
  222. Calamus microsphaerion Becc.
  223. Calamus minahassae Warb. ex Becc.
  224. Calamus minor A.J.Hend.
  225. Calamus minutus J.Dransf.
  226. Calamus mirabilis Mart.
  227. Calamus mitis Becc.
  228. Calamus modestus T.Evans & T.P.Anh
  229. Calamus mogeae J.Dransf.
  230. Calamus mollispinus (J.Dransf.) W.J.Baker
  231. Calamus moorei (J.Dransf.) W.J.Baker
  232. Calamus moorhousei Furtado
  233. Calamus moseleyanus Becc.
  234. Calamus moszkowskianus Becc.
  235. Calamus moti F.M.Bailey
  236. Calamus muelleri H.Wendl.
  237. Calamus multispicatus Burret
  238. Calamus muricatus Becc.
  239. Calamus myriacanthus Becc.
  240. Calamus myrianthus Becc.
  241. Calamus nagbettai R.R.Fernandez & Dey
  242. Calamus nanduensis W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  243. Calamus nannostachys Burret
  244. Calamus nanodendron J.Dransf.
  245. Calamus nematospadix Becc.
  246. Calamus nicobaricus Becc.
  247. Calamus nielsenii J.Dransf.
  248. Calamus nitidus Mart.
  249. Calamus notabilis A.J.Hend.
  250. Calamus novae-georgii W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  251. Calamus nudus W.J.Baker & S.Venter
  252. Calamus nuichuaensis A.J.Hend., N.K.Ban & N.Q.Dung
  253. Calamus nuralievii A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung
  254. Calamus obiensis A.J.Hend.
  255. Calamus oblatus (J.Dransf.) W.J.Baker
  256. Calamus oblongus Reinw. ex Blume
  257. Calamus occidentalis Witono & J.Dransf.
  258. Calamus ochrolepis (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  259. Calamus ocreatus (A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung) W.J.Baker
  260. Calamus oligostachys T.Evans, Sengdala, Viengkham, Thamm. & J.Dransf.
  261. Calamus optimus Becc.
  262. Calamus oresbius W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  263. Calamus ornatus Blume
  264. Calamus ovoideus Thwaites ex Trimen
  265. Calamus oxleyanus Teijsm. & Binn. ex Miq.
  266. Calamus oxleyoides A.J.Hend.
  267. Calamus oxycarpus Becc.
  268. Calamus oxycoccus W.J.Baker
  269. Calamus pachypus W.J.Baker, Bayton, J.Dransf. & Maturb.
  270. Calamus pachystemonus Thwaites
  271. Calamus padangensis Furtado
  272. Calamus pahangensis A.J.Hend.
  273. Calamus pandanosmus Furtado
  274. Calamus papuanus Becc.
  275. Calamus parutan Fernando
  276. Calamus parvulus A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung
  277. Calamus paspalanthus Becc.
  278. Calamus paulii J.Dransf.
  279. Calamus pedicellaris (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  280. Calamus pedicellatus Becc. ex K.Heyne
  281. Calamus penicillatus Roxb.
  282. Calamus perakensis Becc.
  283. Calamus peregrinus Furtado
  284. Calamus periacanthus (Miq.) Miq.
  285. Calamus pertenuis A.J.Hend. & Rustiami
  286. Calamus pholidostachys J.Dransf. & W.J.Baker
  287. Calamus pilosellus Becc.
  288. Calamus pilosissimus Becc.
  289. Calamus pintaudii W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  290. Calamus platyspathus Mart. ex Kunth
  291. Calamus plicatus Blume
  292. Calamus poensis Becc.
  293. Calamus pogonacanthus Becc. ex H.J.P.Winkl.
  294. Calamus pogonotium W.J.Baker
  295. Calamus poilanei Conrard
  296. Calamus politus (Fernando) W.J.Baker
  297. Calamus polycladus Burret
  298. Calamus posoanus Rustiami
  299. Calamus powlingii A.J.Hend.
  300. Calamus praetermissus J.Dransf.
  301. Calamus propinquus (Becc.) A.J.Hend.
  302. Calamus pseudoconcolor (J.Dransf.) W.J.Baker
  303. Calamus pseudoerectus Sujit Mondal, S.K.Basu & M.Chowdhury
  304. Calamus pseudomollis Becc.
  305. Calamus pseudotenuis Becc.
  306. Calamus pseudozebrinus Burret
  307. Calamus psilocladus J.Dransf.
  308. Calamus pycnocarpus (Furtado) J.Dransf.
  309. Calamus pygmaeus Becc.
  310. Calamus quangngaiensis A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung
  311. Calamus radiatus Thwaites
  312. Calamus radicalis H.Wendl. & Drude
  313. Calamus radulosus Becc.
  314. Calamus reinwardtii Mart.
  315. Calamus reticulatus Burret
  316. Calamus retroflexus J.Dransf. & W.J.Baker
  317. Calamus rhabdocladus Burret
  318. Calamus rheedei Griff.
  319. Calamus rhomboideus Blume
  320. Calamus rhytidomus Becc.
  321. Calamus ridleyanus Becc.
  322. Calamus robinsonianus Becc.
  323. Calamus rotang L.
  324. Calamus ruber Reinw. ex Mart.
  325. Calamus rudentum Lour.
  326. Calamus rugosus Becc.
  327. Calamus rumphii Blume
  328. Calamus ruptilis (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  329. Calamus ruptiloides A.J.Hend.
  330. Calamus ruvidus Becc.
  331. Calamus sabalensis J.Dransf.
  332. Calamus salicifolius Becc.
  333. Calamus saltuensis A.J.Hend.
  334. Calamus samian Becc.
  335. Calamus sandsii Rustiami
  336. Calamus sarawakensis Becc.
  337. Calamus sashae J.Dransf. & W.J.Baker
  338. Calamus scabridulus Becc.
  339. Calamus scabrispathus Becc.
  340. Calamus scapigerus (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  341. Calamus schistoacanthus Blume
  342. Calamus schlechteri (Burret) W.J.Baker
  343. Calamus schlechterianus Becc.
  344. Calamus scipionum Lour.
  345. Calamus scleracanthus Becc. ex K.Heyne
  346. Calamus sedens J.Dransf.
  347. Calamus senalingensis J.Dransf.
  348. Calamus septimus A.J.Hend. & Rustiami
  349. Calamus seriatus A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung
  350. Calamus seropakensis A.J.Hend.
  351. Calamus serpentinus (J.Dransf.) W.J.Baker
  352. Calamus serrulatus Becc.
  353. Calamus sessiliflorus A.J.Hend. & Rustiami
  354. Calamus simplex Becc.
  355. Calamus siphonospathus Mart. ex Walp.
  356. Calamus smitinandii (J.Dransf.) A.J.Hend.
  357. Calamus sordidus J.Dransf.
  358. Calamus spanostachys W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  359. Calamus sparsiflorus (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  360. Calamus spectatissimus Furtado
  361. Calamus spiculifer J.Dransf. & W.J.Baker
  362. Calamus spinosus A.J.Hend., Pitopang & Moh.Iqbal
  363. Calamus spinulinervis Becc.
  364. Calamus spiralis A.J.Hend., N.K.Ban & N.Q.Dung
  365. Calamus suaveolens W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  366. Calamus subangulatus Miq.
  367. Calamus subsolanus A.J.Hend. & Rustiami
  368. Calamus sulawesiensis A.J.Hend.
  369. Calamus sumatranus (Becc.) A.J.Hend.
  370. Calamus superciliatus W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  371. Calamus susukensis A.J.Hend. & Rustiami
  372. Calamus symphysipus Mart. ex Walp.
  373. Calamus tadulakoensis A.J.Hend., Moh.Iqbal, Rusydi & Pitopang
  374. Calamus tambingensis A.J.Hend., Pitopang & Moh.Iqbal
  375. Calamus tapanensis A.J.Hend.
  376. Calamus temii T.Evans
  377. Calamus tenompokensis Furtado
  378. Calamus tenuis Roxb.
  379. Calamus tetradactyloides Burret
  380. Calamus tetradactylus Hance
  381. Calamus thwaitesii Becc.
  382. Calamus thysanolepis Hance
  383. Calamus timorensis Becc.
  384. Calamus trachycoleus Becc.
  385. Calamus trigynus A.J.Hend., Pitopang & Moh.Iqbal
  386. Calamus tumidus Furtado
  387. Calamus unifarius H.Wendl.
  388. Calamus unijugus (J.Dransf.) W.J.Baker
  389. Calamus ursinus (Becc.) W.J.Baker
  390. Calamus usitatus Blanco
  391. Calamus validus W.J.Baker
  392. Calamus vattayila Renuka
  393. Calamus velutinus A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung
  394. Calamus verticillaris Griff.
  395. Calamus vestitus Becc.
  396. Calamus vidalianus Becc.
  397. Calamus viminalis Willd.
  398. Calamus vinaceus A.J.Hend., Pitopang & Moh.Iqbal
  399. Calamus vinosus Becc.
  400. Calamus viridis A.J.Hend., Pitopang & Moh.Iqbal
  401. Calamus vitiensis Warb. ex Becc.
  402. Calamus walkeri Hance
  403. Calamus wanggaii W.J.Baker & J.Dransf.
  404. Calamus warayanus Adorador & Fernando
  405. Calamus warburgii K.Schum.
  406. Calamus wedaensis A.J.Hend.
  407. Calamus whitmorei J.Dransf.
  408. Calamus wightii Griff.
  409. Calamus womersleyi J.Dransf. & W.J.Baker
  410. Calamus wuliangshanensis San Y.Chen, K.L.Wang & S.J.Pei
  411. Calamus yentuensis A.J.Hend. & N.Q.Dung
  412. Calamus zebrinus Becc.
  413. Calamus zeylanicus Becc.
  414. Calamus zieckii Fernando
  415. Calamus zollingeri Becc.
  416. Calamus zonatus Becc.

Ecological Importance

Calamus palms play a vital role in their ecosystems. Their dense growth provides habitat and shelter for a wide range of animals, including birds, insects, and mammals. The fruits of Calamus are also an important food source for many creatures. Moreover, these palms contribute to forest regeneration by helping to create gaps in the canopy, allowing sunlight to reach the forest floor and promoting the growth of other plants.

Human Uses

Humans have long recognized the value of Calamus. The strong, flexible canes of these palms have been used for centuries to make a variety of products, including furniture, baskets, mats, and even weapons. Rattan furniture is particularly popular due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. In addition to their practical uses, Calamus palms also have cultural significance in many communities.

Conservation Concerns

Despite their importance, many Calamus species are facing threats due to habitat loss, overexploitation, and the illegal wildlife trade. Sustainable harvesting practices and conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these remarkable plants.

My Fascination with Calamus

I’m continually amazed by the resilience and adaptability of Calamus palms. Their ability to thrive in diverse environments, their intricate climbing mechanisms, and their contribution to both ecosystems and human societies make them a truly captivating group of plants. I believe that by understanding and appreciating these plants, we can contribute to their conservation and ensure that future generations can marvel at their beauty and utility.

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