Calamus simplicifolius

Botanical Description

Calamus simplicifolius is a spiny, evergreen, climbing palm, usually forming an open cluster of vigorous, unbranched stems that can reach a length of 50 metres and about 12 - 15mm in diameter[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. , 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ]. This species is the best Chinese cane of medium diameter, supreme for all types of binding and weaving in the furniture industry and widely used locally for cordage, house construction and the finest basketware when it is abundant[ 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ]. The stems are collected wherever they occur because of their high economic value. Due to its restricted distribution, production occurs only in a few places and no reliable figures are available on annual output. After harvesting the canes are sold to middlemen and then shipped to manufacturers in cities on the mainland for making furniture and handicrafts[ 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ]. The prospects for this species, and the closely related Calamus egregius, as cultivated crops are good. They have excellent quality and growth form, and a great potential to be planted in subtropical and tropical areas. On a small scale, it can be planted in agroforestry systems as a potential source of income for rural people[ 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ]. Calamus simplicifolius has high commercial value. However, owing to its restricted distribution and severe overexploitation, it may soon be on the verge of extinction[ 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ].