Plectocomia has sometimes been misidentified as Plectocomia pierreana Becc., a taller climber that forms a cluster of stems and is native to southern China and southeast Asia[].

Common Name:

General Information

Plectocomia assamica is an evergreen, climbing palm producing a single stem that can be 15 metres long and 15cm in diameter. The leaves can be up to 5 metres long, with 18 - 44 leaflets on each side of the rachis[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use of its canes.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - northeast India, northern Myanmar

Habitat

Lowland rain forest, growing on steep slopes; at elevations from 220 - 850 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].
A monocarpic species, it can grow for many years without flowering, then flowers prolifically before setting seed and dying. The plant often forms buds near the base of the stem - these basal buds can sometimes come into growth and produce a new plant after the main stem has flowered and died[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The long canes are traditionally for making hanging bridges over mountain streams and rivulets.

The stems are sometimes used in furniture making[]. The stems are very thick but are not flexible as in other rattans, and remain stiff and erect[].

Propagation

Seed -

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