Egg-shaped Rattan. Rotan Ovoid (Calamus ovoideus)

Family: Arecaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Native to Asia, Calamus ovoideus is a large tree that grows up to 14 ft tall. The leaves are pinnate. Young, unfolded leaves are consumed raw or cooked as a vegetable. Smooth, pale brown canes are split and used for weaving baskets; and whole canes for furniture frames. Canes are heavy and durable and yields high quality rattan used in making furniture. Found In: Sri Lanka.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Very young unfolded leaves are eaten raw or cooked and used as a vegetable. — Very young unfolded leaves are eaten raw or cooked and used as a vegetable.

Habitat & North American Range

Well-drained slopes, where it is frequently found in forest gaps and other open sites, in lowland and lower montane rain forest areas below elevations of 1,500 metres. (Zone 10)