Calamus andamanicus (PROSEA)

Plant Resources of South-East Asia Introduction

List of species

Calamus andamanicus Kurz

Family: Palmae

Vernacular names

• Andaman Islands: chowdah, charab. Nicobars: nat.

Distribution

Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Uses

An excellent largediameter cane, harvested for the furniture industry. Leaves used for thatch.

Observations

Very robust clustering rattan. Stem to great heights, 2530 mm in diameter without leafsheaths, with sheaths 80100 mm in diameter. Leaf very large, cirrate; leafsheaths fiercely armed. Found in lowland rain forest. Because of its growth form and fine quality cane, C. andamanicus could have potential as a silvicultural crop in SouthEast Asia.

Selected sources

4.