Calamus moti

Vicious Lawyer Cane

Arecaceae

Form and Size: A tall and vigorous climbing palm, clump forming, with one stem usually dominant. If this is damaged, another will take its place. Almost all parts of the leaves and inflorescences carry spines or hooks. Long whip-like appendages attached to the leaf-sheath, (flagella) carrying recurved hooks, assist with climbing.

Distribution: Lowland and highland rainforests of north-east Qld.

Leaves: 2-3m long, with 30-40 leaflets, widely spaced, green, narrow lance-shaped, scattered spines.

Flowers: Greenish, 0.3-0.4cm diameter, borne on long, sparsely branched panicles 2-3m long.

Flowering Period: November to March.

Fruit: Cream or white, globular with a small nipple, 0.8-1cm diameter.

Cultivation/Notes: Propagate from fresh seed which should germinate in 3-4 months. Generally only grown by enthusiasts or in display gardens. Fruit are eagerly sought by fruit eating birds.