Flolape

Rattan

Laccosperma secundiflorum (P.Beauv.) Kuntze
Rattan
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Laccosperma secundiflorum, known as rattan, is a palm species in the Arecaceae family. It is found in Cameroon and other parts of West Africa. This species features thorny stems that allow it to climb up to over 30 metres by wrapping around nearby trees. Locally, it is harvested for palm oil and palm wine production, as well as for making canes, furniture, mats, and baskets.

Description

Laccosperma secundiflorum, also called gao, is native to the Dzangha-Sangha tropical forests and other regions of West Africa. Its climbing habit is facilitated by thorny stems that coil around host trees, enabling it to reach significant heights. The plant is used by local communities for multiple purposes, including the production of palm oil and palm wine, and for crafting items such as canes, furniture, mats, and baskets. The species was first described in 1891 and is part of the Arecaceae family, which includes other palm species.

Other common names

RattanRattan Palm

Distribution

Cameroon · Global · Benin · Central African Repu · Congo · Equatorial Guinea · Gabon · Ghana · Guinea-Bissau · Guinea · Gulf of Guinea Is. · Ivory Coast · Liberia · Nigeria · Niger · Senegal · Sierra Leone · Togo · Zaïre · Base-Guinée · Guinée forestière · Haute-Guinée · Moyenne-Guinée

Synonyms

Laccosperma laurentiiLaccosperma majusNeoancistrophyllum laurentiiNeoancistrophyllum majusNeoancistrophyllum secundiflorumCalamus secundiflorusAncistrophyllum laurentiiAncistrophyllum majusAncistrophyllum secundiflorumAncistrophyllum secundiflorum

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