I am moving a couple of my Plectocomia himalayana as I mentioned in a previous thread. I had noticed that chunks I have removed seemed to start growing on their own in the rain. I suspected this palm can be propagated from cuttings, but now I found a Scientific article that describes exactly what I was observing.

Well, I am about to generate at least 20-30 cuttings. Anyone in the Bay area interested in this palm, please let me know.

Biomechanics and development of rattans: what is special about Plectocomia himalayana Griff. (Calamoideae, Plectocomiinae)?

SANDRINE ISNARD

Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society (impact factor: 2.82). 04/2006; 151(1):83 - 91. DOI:10.1111/j.1095-8339.2006.00524.x

ABSTRACT Mechanical and morphological studies of Plectocomia himalayana (subtribe Plectocomiinae) revealed characteristics that differ strongly from species of subtribe Calaminae (Calamus and Daemonorops). In species of Calaminae tested previously, the contribution of the leaf sheath drastically increases stiffness in juvenile axes and towards the apex of older plants. In P. himalayana the relative contribution of the leaf sheath to axis stiffness is less and leaf sheath senescence does not strongly reduce axial stiffness as observed in Calamus and Daemonorops. Natural aerial branching, only described in Korthalsia and Laccosperma among rattans, is common in P. himalayana. Aerial branching and adventitious roots occur frequently along old stems allowing autonomy of stems, following mechanical injury and promoting vegetative propagation. The climbing habit is known to have evolved at least twice within the Calamoideae. The results observed here suggest that climbing habits may differ in detail and that different ‘climbing strategies’ may have evolved within the subfamily Calamoideae resulting from: (1) variable stem flexibility, (2) the variable mechanical role of the leaf sheath (Calamus–Daemonorops) and (3) production of branches and aerial roots conferring a higher degree of architectural plasticity (Plectocomia). © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 151, 83–91.

Here are some pictures of my spiny friends: you can see the nasty thorns in the first picture, and notice the "hooks" on the second picture.

Wow, never have been next to any plectomia himalayana but looks like a real spiny beauty, always thought trunks were smaller but those look beautiful!!!

I know Plectocomias are dioecious. I have only one and I like it. But I think I don´t want another because there will be a chance of seed producing plants and if it spreeds my forest turning an impenetrable place.

That is awesome!

Wow, dramatic looking palm, but we would not be game to have one here,

although it would slow down the possum that eat our Kentia seeds.

I am moving a couple of my Plectocomia himalayana as I mentioned in a previous thread. I had noticed that chunks I have removed seemed to start growing on their own in the rain. I suspected this palm can be propagated from cuttings, but now I found a Scientific article that describes exactly what I was observing.

Well, I am about to generate at least 20-30 cuttings. Anyone in the Bay area interested in this palm, please let me know.

Biomechanics and development of rattans: what is special about Plectocomia himalayana Griff. (Calamoideae, Plectocomiinae)?

SANDRINE ISNARD

Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society (impact factor: 2.82). 04/2006; 151(1):83 - 91. DOI:10.1111/j.1095-8339.2006.00524.x

ABSTRACT Mechanical and morphological studies of Plectocomia himalayana (subtribe Plectocomiinae) revealed characteristics that differ strongly from species of subtribe Calaminae (Calamus and Daemonorops). In species of Calaminae tested previously, the contribution of the leaf sheath drastically increases stiffness in juvenile axes and towards the apex of older plants. In P. himalayana the relative contribution of the leaf sheath to axis stiffness is less and leaf sheath senescence does not strongly reduce axial stiffness as observed in Calamus and Daemonorops. Natural aerial branching, only described in Korthalsia and Laccosperma among rattans, is common in P. himalayana. Aerial branching and adventitious roots occur frequently along old stems allowing autonomy of stems, following mechanical injury and promoting vegetative propagation. The climbing habit is known to have evolved at least twice within the Calamoideae. The results observed here suggest that climbing habits may differ in detail and that different ‘climbing strategies’ may have evolved within the subfamily Calamoideae resulting from: (1) variable stem flexibility, (2) the variable mechanical role of the leaf sheath (Calamus–Daemonorops) and (3) production of branches and aerial roots conferring a higher degree of architectural plasticity (Plectocomia). © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2006, 151, 83–91.

Here are some pictures of my spiny friends: you can see the nasty thorns in the first picture, and notice the "hooks" on the second picture.

Greetings,

Your palm looks great ! I have quite a few of this species and really enjoy it.

I wanted to ask, it appears yours has more than one stem. Is that correct ? Thanks in advance for your answer.

Good luck with them,

Tom

Yes, mine sucker profusely.

I would love to try plectocomia. PM sent.

Yes, mine sucker profusely.

Wow, Fantastic !

If you ever have established plants in pots for sale please let me know. I would like to add new clones to my collection.

Thanking you in advance for keeping me in mind.

Be well,

Tom