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HAIRY MARY (Clalmus australis)

HAIRY MARY

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Clalmus australis

Calamus australis (Wait-a-While Palm): A climbing palm native to Australia, this species uses spiny stems to cling to surrounding trees. Its long, slender leaves and climbing habit make it an interesting addition to naturalistic landscapes, where it can create a tropical forest effect. At the Palm Garden Nevis, it is located in the rain forest above Event Area 3.

Uses

Calamus australis, commonly known as the Hairy Mary, Wait-a-while Palm or Lawyer Cane, is a type of rattan palm native to Australia. It has several important uses, particularly in traditional practices and manufacturing:

  • Rattan Production: The primary use of Calamus australis is in the production of rattan. The stems of the palm, which are long, flexible, and durable, are harvested and used to make furniture, baskets, and handicrafts. Rattan is highly valued for its strength and flexibility, making it a popular material in furniture making and weaving.
  • Crafting and Weaving: The fibers from the palm are used by artisans to create woven products, including baskets, mats, and ropes. The smooth, slender stems are easy to work with and are traditionally used in handicrafts by local communities.
  • Traditional Uses: In some indigenous cultures, parts of Calamus australis are used for making fishing traps and other tools due to the strong and durable nature of the palm’s fibers.
  • Erosion Control: The extensive root system of Calamus australis helps in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, especially in tropical forest areas where it grows naturally. This makes the palm important in maintaining forest ecosystems.
  • Wildlife Habitat: The dense, spiny growth of the palm provides shelter and habitat for various animals, including birds, reptiles, and small mammals. It contributes to the biodiversity of the rainforests where it grows.
  • Medicinal Uses: In traditional medicine, parts of the palm, such as the leaves and roots, have been used in remedies, although specific uses vary by region and cultural practices.
  • Ornamental Use: Though less common, the Wait-a-while Palm can be grown as an ornamental plant in tropical gardens, valued for its unique appearance and sprawling, vine-like growth.
  • These uses make Calamus australis a valuable resource in both commercial rattan production and traditional crafts. Its role in soil stabilization and supporting wildlife further adds to its ecological significance in its native rainforest habitat.
Sources:
– Wikipedia
– Useful Tropical Plants Database
– Palmpedia
– Earthone
– Useful Tropical Plants Database
– Chat GPT 4

Details

Common Name
HAIRY MARY
Scientific Name
Clalmus australis
Height
30-50 ft
Origin
Australia
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