PlantPeers
Back to Catalog
Calamus manillensis
Arecaceae FAMILY

Calamus manillensis

Calamus manillensis

Edibility
3/5
Medicinal
0/5

Safety & Hazards

None known

Cultivation Details

HabitEvergreen Climber
Growth—

Most species in this genus are more or less vigorous climbing plants in rainforests. Leaves of young plants are normally damaged if exposed to too much light, though leaves of older plants will usually tolerate full sun. In general, plants are likely to grow best with their roots in the shade but with enough gap in the canopy to encourage their stems to grow up towards the light. They are also likely to grow best in a humus-rich soil[PFAF]. Many of the species require fairly moist conditions for good growth, in fact several of them grow in wet soils or in areas with seasonal inundation - where we have the information it will be included under the plant’s habitat. Overhead shade should be manipulated at about 6-monthly intervals for the first 2 - 3 years of a young plant’s life to ensure they receive sufficient light to grow vigorously. About 40 - 50% light penetration is generally considered to be ideal for promoting stem growth. Little care is needed once the seedlings are established. It is important, however, to weed the area surrounding the seedlings occasionally until the plants are more than 2 metres tall. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Propagation

Seed - it has a fairly short viability and is best sown as soon as it is ripe. A traditional method is to shallowly bury the seeds, pile dried leaves on top and quickly burn the dried leaves. The heat enhances early seed germination[1]. Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2026-02-20. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Calamus+manillensis>

Pollinators

Data unavailable

References

  1. [1]Speciality Rattans of the ASEAN — A. C. Baja-Lapis · National Herbarium, Nederland. · 2009 · http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nhn/blumea ↩︎A description of the uses and agricultural practices for 11 selected species of rattan.
  2. [2]Plant Resources of Southeast Asia — http://proseanet.org/ ↩︎Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia.
  3. [3]Annals of the Royal Botanical Garden, Calcutta Vol. XI and Appendix — Dr Odoardo Beccari · Royal Botanic Garden, Calcutta · 1908 ↩︎This volume of the journal is dedicated entirely to a monograph of the genus Calamus, which remains an important treatment over 100 years later.
  4. [4]A Field Guide to Philippine Rattans — Aida C. Baja-Lapis · Rushing Water Publishers Ltd; Philippines · 2010 · ISBN 0117-3375 ↩︎A very useful book with concise information on the various rattan species that grow in the Philippines
  5. [5]Leaflests of Philippine Botany Vol VIII — Elmer A.D.E. (author) · Manila; Philippines · 1915 - 1919 · http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org ↩︎A botanical journal from the early 20th century, although rather dated it remains a source of information about Philippine plants that is difficult to source elsewhere. It can be downloaded from the Internet.
  6. [PFAF]Plants for a Future — pfaf.org ↩︎