Calamus manillensis

Scientific name: Calamus manillensis (Mart.) H.A. Wendl. Family: Palmae Local name: Litoko (Ifugao)

Description: This is a single-stemmed, solitary rattan with stems growing to 20 m or longer. The stems have spiny and hard leaf sheath. The leaves are compound, 5 to 8 m long and with a terminal whip up to 2 m long. The leaflets are narrowelongate and green. The female inflorescence is up to 80 cm long, and the fruits are borne in pendulous clusters, globose, with cream-colored scales. The 3 seeds have fleshy acidic pulp. Distribution: Benguet, Ifugao, Mt. Province. The species is also reported in Dinagat Is. and Mindanao but this has to be confirmed. Endemic. Habitat: In primary and secondary forests at medium to high altitudes. Conservation Status: Not threatened. The species is planted in backyards and in woodlots in Ifugao and other provinces. Economic Uses: The stems are used for furniture and handicrafts although they are softer than the first class rattans such as palasan and limuran. The fruits are extremely sour when ripe but are eaten raw or pickled in brine or vinegar. The fruits are sold in markets in Baguio and in Ifugao.

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