Abstract

Rattans are one of the least protected groups of flowering plants, with many species being severely threatened and becoming very rare, hence, cultivation of elite species to relieve pressure on wild stocks and to enhance production becomes essential. For starting any cultivation or conservation programme a knowledge on their habitat and biology is needed. The nature of clumping, branching pattern of the rhizome, phenology etc. are of much silvicultural importance. Phenological details will throw light into the possibilities of hybridization work for future species improvement programmes also. Biological aspects, in particular, growth forms and phenology of rattans, with special reference to the species of the Western Ghats are discussed as a basis for development of cultivation and conservation strategies