Common Name:

General Information

Curculigo seychellensis is a perennial plant producing leaves up to 2.5 metres long from a perennial tuber. The petiole can be 30 - 45cm long, armed with spreading prickles[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of a tying material. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental[].
The plant is widespread and locally abundant in the Seychelles, though it is threatened by fires in the dry habitats it favours. Intrinsic factors such as its restricted range and limited dispersal are other potential threats to this species. It is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Indian Ocean - Seychelles.

Habitat

Damp, shady forests[]. Occurs in dry rocky areas, usually at mid- or high-altitudes. It is rarely found as a forest understory plant[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Habit	Perennial
Height	2.50 m
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants grow best in a stable tropical climate with high annual averages of temperature (23 - 27 °c), and rainfall (2,000mm).
A shade-loving plant, thriving under partly shaded or sunless conditions, with abundant water supply[]. Prefers a humid, nutrient-rich soil.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Fibre obtained from the leaf is used for making cordage[]. The leaf, or string made from the leaf, is used for wrapping or binding plugs of tobacco leaves[].

Propagation

Seed -
Division of rhizomes.
Division of suckers.

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