0573.000 Calamus L.

Palms, usually scandent, sometimes erect; dioecious, solitary or in small clumps; usually with very long stems. Leaves pinnate 1(-9) divided into numerous segments; rhachis often with sharp hooked spines; leaf sheath usually very prickly. Inflorescence axillary, much-branched; armed often with a sterile, whip-like prolongation; flowers usually arranged in 2 ranks; bracts many, persistent. Flowers minute. Fruit usually solitary, sometimes 2 or 3; globose or ellipsoid; covered in scales.

Worldwide: 381 species in tropical Africa and tropical and sub-tropical Asia and SW pacific.

Zimbabwe: 2 cultivated taxa.