Study on botanical characteristics of edible rattan (Calamus siamensis Becc.)
1997
Winai Sangkaew | Ararm Koomklang | Pichet Wechvitan
Edible rattan in Sakhon Nakorn Province and nearby regions were studied for their botanical characteristics. The rattan in this area was Calamus siamensis which was a clustering and climbing type, with 30-33 mm diameter clums and 15-22 mm diameter cane. Spiny dark green leaf sheaths, 45-60 cm long, were coated with a white-wax film at the base of rachis. Knee like swallen leaf sheaths, brown or light green spines, 60-70 mm long, were found under dark green rachis. Pinnate leaf, with 70-90 cm long, roof shaped in cross section, with leaflets with 13-22 cm width and 30-38 cm in length. Short spines were found in the middle and edge of leaves. Male and female flower were born in separate plants (dioecious). These pleonanthic inflorescence flower were tabular bract with 3-5 order branching inflorescence. Each rachis has 15-20 rachillae. Flowers showed three sepals, three petals, six stamens and one trilocula ovary or pistiloid with a special odor. Fruits were mostly single seeded fruit. Double seeded fruits are rarely found. The fruits were covered with vertical rows of reflexed overlapping scales. These type of fruits usually turn light yellow colour or cream when ripe. Seeds are usually covered with sour astrigent of sacrotesta when riped. Embryos, size ranging 0.5*1.0 mm, were burried inside the endosperms on the pitted side.
Show more [+] Less [-]AGROVOC Keywords
Bibliographic information
This bibliographic record has been provided by Thai National AGRIS Centre, Kasetsart University
