The Natural Distribution and Utilization of Rattan Resources in China

This paper presents the results of a resource inventory of rattan species in China from 1985 to 1990. It is recognized that in China there are 40 species and 21 varieties belonging to 3 genera, 4 species of Plectocomia Mart; 36 species and 21 varieties of Calamus Linn, and 1 species of Daemonorops Blume, which are distributed over southern China from south-east coast to southwest mountainous areas and Taiwan, Hainan and some islands. This paper not only deals with the geographic distribution of the species and their numbers and characteristics of the plant flora but also briefly discusses the status of the resources and utilization of commercial rattan species in China.