Abstract

Attention is directed in this paper to review the current state of knowledge of management and utilization of rattan resources of India with particular reference to those of Kerala. Of the 46 Indian rattan species, represented by four genera, 13 species of Calamus are distributed in Kerala alone, constituting a significant part of the genetic base of Indian rattans. Although basic knowledge exists, it is less than adequate for the management and efficient utilization of resources. The major problem causing concern in developing a rattan industry is a wide demand-supply gap. With the depletion of resources in Kerala, the state is increasingly becoming dependent on the import of raw material from other states. While studies have been undertaken by the Kerala Forest Research Institute to characterise the resources and to derive identification keys, based on both morphological and anatomical characteristics, there are several aspects which require immediate attention. They