Common Name:

General Information

Plectocomia himalayana is a spiny, evergreen, climbing palm usually producing a cluster of stems (though sometimes solitary) up to 20 metres long and 10cm in diameter - these can climb high into the surrounding trees. The stems are unbranched for most of their length but can then branch freely to form entanglements in the tree canopy[, ]
The plants are harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials for basketry, ropes etc.
The plant is common and widespread in its natural range. No major threats are known to affect it at present, though its common use as a vegetable and as a source of weaving material mean it is usually rare near villages and paths. In addition, some of its habitats, such as the tropical forest habitat in south Yunnan, is being destroyed as a result of large-scale permanent and commercial agriculture. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - China, northeast India, Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Laos.

Habitat

Mostly found in middle and upper warm, moist, broad-leaved hill forest; often in degraded or disturbed areas with relatively high light exposure such as gullies or gaps formed by tree-falls or landslides[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Climber
Height	0.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Plectocomia himalayana is a plant of medium elevations favouring warm, moist tropical and subtropical conditions but able also to grow in potentially hostile environments with snow and frost[].
Usually found in the low light levels of moist forests, the plant can also tolerate relatively high light exposure[]. It is found in the wild on sandy-loam soils[].
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[].

Edible Uses

The apical bud is cooked and eaten as a bitter vegetable[].

The pith from the stem is sometimes eaten[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The canes are woven into strong rope, or split into strips for tying fences and for making rough baskets[].
The canes can reach substantial proportions, large enough for consideration as a potential source of furniture material, if they are strong enough[].
The stems are too soft to be of much use[].

Propagation

Seed -

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