Abstract

In Kerala a total of 13 Calamus species have been recorded. Phenological observations indicate that Calamus, which is dioecious, flowers annually. Though flowering varies with species, in most of them it occurs during September to January. The fruiting time falls between January to June. Seed germination techniques attempted for Calamus hookerianus, C. pseudotenuis and C. thwaitesii appeared promising. Seedlings out-planted gave an establishment rate of 50-75. In nature, axillary shoot and root development from nodes which come in contact with soil, indicates a potential for vegetative propagation. Chemical induction may enhance the possibility. Attempts to propagate Calamus using suckers were not always promising. However, limited obsevations in the case of C. hookerianus indicate that root development in suckers can be enhanced by treatment with growth regulating substances. Considering the scarce availability of seeds, extensive trials are needed to standardise