Calamus crassifolius J.Dransf., Kew Bull. 45: 94 (1990)

Primary tabs

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Distribution

Map uses TDWG level 3 distributions (https://github.com/tdwg/wgsrpd)
Borneo present (World Checklist of Arecaceae)B
Known only from Pasir Jangka and Sempadi Forest Reserves in the extreme west of 1st Division. Endemic. (Dransfield, J. 1992: The Rattans of Sarawak)A

Discussion

  • C. crassifolius is found at low altitudes in forest transitional between kerangas and mixed dipterocarp forest. It is easily distinguished by the single pair of leaflets of thick texture and the presence of a flagellum. It might be confused with C. flabellatus but the latter generally has very thin matt leaflets, joined for much of their length rather than only at the base, and the inflorescence with its long flagellum is quite different. (Dransfield, J. 1992: The Rattans of Sarawak)A

Etymology

  • Thick leaves (Dransfield, J. 1992: The Rattans of Sarawak)A

Uses

  • The cane appears to be of good quality. (Dransfield, J. 1992: The Rattans of Sarawak)A

Description

  • Slender clustering rattan climbing to 10 m; stem without sheaths c. 7 - 10 mm diam., with sheaths c. 10 - 18 mm diam., internodes 7-12 cm long. Sheath mid green, armed with short scattered or grouped triangular spines to 3 mm with conspicuous swollen bases and scattered brown scales between the spines; knee conspicuous; ocrea soon tattering, inconspicuous. Flagellum to 1.5 m. Leaf ecirrate, to c. 75 cm including the petiole and leaflets; petiole 4 - 11 cm, very sparsely armed; rachis very short; leaflets one on each side of the rachis, broad, to c. 60 x 12 cm, stiff, cucullate, very thick in texture, dark shiny green when fresh, transverse ve inlets very numerous, close, conspicuous. Inflorescence, only the young female known, with 3 partial inflorescences and lacking a terminal flagellum; bracts closely tubular, covered in pale brown indumentum; rachillae c. 20 x 2 mm bearing roughened bracts. Fruit not known (Fig. 71). (Dransfield, J. 1992: The Rattans of Sarawak)A

Bibliography

    A. Dransfield, J. 1992: The Rattans of Sarawak
    B. World Checklist of Arecaceae