Calamus

Description

Calamus is a genus of flowering plants in the palm family Arecaceae that are among several genera known as rattan palms. There are an estimated 400 species in this genus, all native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, and Australia. They are dioecious, mostly leaf-climbing lianas with slender, reedy stems. To aid scrambling some species have evolved hooks on the underside of the midrib, or more commonly by modified "pinnae" or tendrils in the form of stout, backward-pointing spines. These stems may grow to lengths of 200 metres. The stems may be harvested for their cores, which are used for everything from canes to furniture. The fruits of certain species, in particular Calamus draco, produce a red resin known as "Dragon's blood". Botany and zoology Calamus (fish), a genus of fish in the family Sparidae Calamus (palm), a genus of rattan palms Calamus, the hollow shaft of a feather, also known as the quill Acorus calamus, the sweet flag, a tall wetland plant, commonly referred to as calamus in herbal medicine