Common Name: Rotan Semut

General Information

Korthalsia rostrata is a slender to moderately robust, high-climbing, spiny evergreen rattan palm[]. The plant normally produces a number of densely clustering, slender stems around 10 - 12mm in diameter, which grow high into the canopy of the forest where they branch to produce large aerial entanglements[, ]. Unbranched in its lower parts, the stem often produces a number of branches in the canopy where it can form considerable entanglements. The stem is very slender towards the base, but new growth gradually thickens, reaching its greatest diameter at the upper end at the time of flowering[].
The plant is commonly harvested from the wild for its strong, durable canes, which are much used locally in making baskets, furniture etc. The canes are sold in local markets and furniture made from them is sometimes exported[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeastern Asia - Thailand, Malaysia to Sumatra and Borneo.

Habitat

Dipterocarp forests at elevations up to 800 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	15.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plants succeed in moist tropical climates where temperatures never fall below 10°c, the average annual rainfall is 1,500mm or more and the driest month has 25mm or more rain[].

Ants commonly make their homes in the stems of this plant[].
A monocarpic species, it can grow for many years without flowering, then flowers prolifically before setting seed and dying. The flowers are produced in panicles at the ends of the stems.

Edible Uses

The fruit of all members of this genus is more or less edible. It is sometimes eaten, but there is little flesh and it is therefore more likely to be used as a famine food when little else is available[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The long, strong, flexible stems are widely used by native peoples as a tying material, particularly in situations demanding great durability[, ].
A source of very durable cane for weaving strong baskets, the cane is also incorporated into cheap furniture, some of which is exported[].
All members of the genus produce long and very durable canes and are used to make some of the most durable and attractive carrying baskets in southeast Asia. Unfortunately, the inner epidermis of the leaf sheaths adheres to the stem, making it difficult to clean and leaving the stem lacking the attractive, shiny appearance of many Calamus species. In addition, the nodes are frequently very irregular and marked with shallow pits or the remains of branches The canes are very widely used locally and often traded, but not usually more widely than local markets[].
Large diameter canes are used for purposes such as large fish traps and the framework of cheap furniture. Smaller diameter canes can be used whole or split for binding, weaving etc[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak 24 hours in warm water and sow in containers[]. The seed needs to be fresh for satisfactory germination[]

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