Calamus hookerianus Becc.

Common Name: Velichural, Kakkachural, Vanthal, Kallan, Chentakara
Acc. No. 108

Distribution: This is a common species occurring in the evergreen forests up to 1000m asl through out the W. Ghats of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka (Renuka, 1992b).

Provenance collected: The seeds were collected from Nelliampathy (Pakuthipalam) of Nemmara Forest Division.

Nature of species: This is a clustering, medium diameter rattan, stem without sheaths to 2.5 cm in diameter. Phenotypic variations are noted in the size and colour of the spines only.

Flowering: July – August.

Fruiting: April – May.

Conservation status:At present it is considered under the ‘Lower risk’ category.

Uses: It is considered as a moderately strong cane (Bhat, 1992). Extensively used in the furniture industry and in basket making. Shoot tip is edible.

References: Renuka, C.,Bhat,K.V.,Pandalai,R.C. 2010. Rattans of India. Kerala Forest Research Institute,Peechi,Thrissur,Kerala.pp.71-74