Palms   Calamus vitiensis

Distribution & Habitat: Indigenous to Fiji This palm is most wide-spread on Taveuni but can also be found on some of the other islands. Description: A climbing palm with small black thorns on the stem and along the leaf rachis that also extends up to 1.5 meters beyond the end leaflets like a spiny whip. These hook like thorns allow the palm to climb by attaching to neighbouring foliage. The palm can be seen holding itself erect up to 4 meters and is quiet attractive with its shiny dark green leaflets, a light brown petiole and very few thorns when young. Fruits are about 1 cm round with attractive white scales. Cultivation: This palm requires shade when young but will grow upwards needing support after 4 to 6 meters in height.

Figure 1. C. vitiensis in habitat.

Figure 2. C. vitiensis .

Figure 3. C. vitiensis stem.

Figure 4. C. vitiensis fruit.

Contributed by:

Jim Valentine (Text & Figure 1,2,3&4)

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