Calospatha

Abstract: While preparing a forester's manual of Malayan rattans (Dransfield 1979), I have been forced to try to distinguish as many as possible of the 106 species indigenous to the Malay Peninsula, using vegetative characters only. Because the range of characters available is so extensive it has proved relatively easy to assign sterile material to the correct genus and, except in the instance of certain species complexes, to the correct species. Though superficially similar, with the same distinctive growth form, the rattans show themselves on closer examination to be extraordinarily diverse. Yet it has been possible to show that within this diversity certain genera are remarkably constant in some vegetative characteristics (e.g. Korthalsia and Plectocomia). Some rattan taxa are, however, quite aberrant in their vegetative features, and reproductive features usually emphasize their isolation. Calospatha is one such genus, where habit is quite distinctive and is linked with extraordinary inflorescence structure, and the newly described Retispatha (Dransfield in press) another, where initial impressions of its distinctiveness in the field were reinforced when fertile material at last became available. I have come

Abstract: Based on previously published phylogenetic research, the genus Calospatha Becc. (Calamoideae) is placed in synonymy within Calamus L. The new combination, Calamus calospathus (Ridl.) W. J. Baker & J. Dransf. is made.