Common Name:

General Information

Calyptrocalyx spicatus is an evergreen, single-stemmed palm producing a slender, unbranched stem 7 - 12 metres long topped by a crown of leaves that can each be 300 - 350cm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for its seed, which is used as a masticatory, and also sometimes as a source of wood. It is occasionally planted for ornamental purposes[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Indonesia (Maluku)

Habitat

Shaded and wind-protected locations in lowland rain forest[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	10.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Grows best in the dappled shade of a woodland, though plants can tolerate more sun as they grow older[]. Prefers a fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter[]. Requires a position sheltered from strong winds[].

Edible Uses

The seed is used as a masticatory[]. They are regarded as the best substitute for the seeds of the betel palm (Areca catechu)[]. Those uses are as follows:-
The seed has mild narcotic properties, it is widely used in some areas of the tropics as a masticatory, being mixed with the leaves of a pepper plant (Piper betle), a gum and, often, lime[, ]. Betel seeds contain tannins and alkaloids - these stimulate saliva flow, accelerate heart and perspiration rates, suppress hunger and offer positive protection against intestinal worms[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The wood is hard, easy to split and fairly durable, but is not much used[].

Propagation

Seed - germinates within 4 - 9 weeks from sowing[].

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