Abstract

Of the 13 genera and 600 species of the subdivision Calamoideae, only four genera-Calamus, Daemonorops, Korthalsia, and Plectocomia-represent the Indian rattans which are found in three major regions: Western Ghats of Peninsular India, Andaman and Nicobar Islands and North and North-Eastern India. Detailed anatomical survey of 42 species shows considerable differences among the four genera. The vascular bundle in Calamus, Daemonorops, and Korthalsia is characterized by a solitary metaxylem vessel and two phloem fields, while Plectocomia shows 1-2 metaxylem vessels and a single phloem field. The mechanical tissues show diversity in Korthalsia and Plectocomia which sclereids as a yellow cap on the outer side of the fibrous sheaths of vascular bundles. The size of the different cells, the diameter of the metaxylem vessel in particular, appears to be related to species habit, geography and stem size. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands with equable temperature and high humidity