Calamus erectus facts for kids

Calamus erectus, also known as tynriew, tara, or zhi li sheng teng, is a type of flowering shrub. It belongs to the palm family called Arecaceae. The name erectus means 'straight' in Latin. This is because this plant grows straight up, unlike many other plants in its group that climb or creep along the ground.

Where Calamus Erectus Grows

This plant is originally from several countries in Asia. You can find it naturally in India (in areas like Arunachal Pradesh and Assam), Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, and China (specifically Yunnan).

It has also been brought to the United States. Calamus erectus likes to grow in lower hill forests, especially on drier slopes. It is often found in the Tista and Rangit river valleys in West Bengal and Sikkim. It also thrives in lowland and mountain rainforests or drier forests, often on steep slopes, up to 1400 meters (about 4,593 feet) high.

What Calamus Erectus Looks Like

Calamus erectus is a type of rattan palm. Most rattan palms are climbers, but this one is different. It grows straight up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) tall. Its stems can reach up to 6 meters (about 19 feet) long and 5 centimeters (about 2 inches) wide.

Leaves and Stems

The plant has up to 40 narrow leaves on each side of its main stem, called the rachis. These leaves are arranged neatly and are slightly curved. They are about 60-80 centimeters (23-31 inches) long and 3.5-5 centimeters (1-2 inches) wide. The edges of the leaves are bristly.

The stems can grow either upright or lean to the side. The leaf sheaths, which wrap around the stem, are dark green. They are covered in dark brown hairs and have short rows of brown, flat spines up to 3.5 centimeters (1.3 inches) long. The petioles (leaf stalks) and rachis have groups of yellow to white spines.

Flowers and Fruit

The plant produces flower clusters, called inflorescences, that can be up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) long. The flowers have a calyx (outer leaf-like parts) with three lobes and a corolla (petals) with three petals.

The fruit starts green and turns reddish-brown when it's ripe. It's shaped like an oval and measures 3-5 centimeters (1-2 inches) long and 2-2.5 centimeters (0.7-1 inches) wide. The thin skin of the fruit is covered in grooved scales. Usually, each fruit contains one large, whitish seed. This seed is edible and has a mild taste. Chewing it can make your mouth feel dry.

Growth and Care

The seeds of Calamus erectus sprout very quickly. The first leaf of a new seedling is pinnate (feather-like), and the plant grows fast. It grows well in a pot and can be kept as an ornamental plant in warm areas. It can handle cold temperatures down to about -3 to -6 degrees Celsius (25-30 degrees Fahrenheit).

How People Use Calamus Erectus

This plant is grown in some places in India and Bangladesh for study. It's also found in several botanical gardens, like the Indian Botanic Garden in Howrah.

Traditional Uses

Even though the canes of Calamus erectus are not good for making furniture because they have short sections, they are still very useful. The Mising people from the Assam plains use the strong canes along with split bamboo to build huts. They also use the leaves for thatch, which is a roofing material. The stems and leaves are also used to make houses for poultry, like chickens.

In Bangladesh, people sometimes chew the seeds of Calamus erectus instead of betel nuts.

Medicine and Rituals

Sometimes, this plant is used in traditional medicine. People believe it has properties that can help fight damage to cells and may help with diabetes. It is also offered to the Gods of the Sanamahism religion during the lunar new year celebration, known as Cheiraoba.

Food Uses

The young shoots and leaves of Calamus erectus can be eaten as a vegetable. When they are raw, they have a bitter taste.

Nutritional Value of the Fruit

The fruit of Calamus erectus is packed with good things for your body. It contains a lot of vitamin C, vitamin A, and vitamin E. It also has important minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.