Calamus trachycoleus Beccari/Rotan Irit

Vernacular names Indonesia: Rotan Irit (Kalimantan).

Origin and geographic distribution: C. trachycoleus becc is endemic to the Barito-kapuas floodplains of South and Central Kalimantan in Indonesia between latitudes 2-3degree S where it is widely planted by villagers along river banks. it is now also planted on a fairly large scale (400-5000 Ha) in Malaysian state of Sabah and to a smaller extent in the states of Sarawak and Pahang.

Uses, in Commerce, C. trachycoleus is used mainly as skin peels for the weaving of chair seats and backs, and unsplit for furniture. the core are also used for furniture and basket making. In recent years, because of the shortage of C. caesius Blume/sega canes, it has been used extensively as a subtitie for the production of rattan mats or known as lampit, as rope in raft building and as cordage. Production and International trade, The 1984 consumption of C. trachycoleus in Indonesia was about 125 t (out of a total production of 150 000 t), since more than 12 000 ha has been planted with C. trachycoleus around Dadahup in Central kalimantan since 1850, production is expected to be much higher than published , as most C. trachycoleus harvested gas been sold as C. caesius in order to fetch a higher price, Before Indonesia banned the export of round cane in 1986, most of the export of unprocessed cane was to Singapore where the were re-exported, mainly to Hong kong and Taiwan, by 1988, finished products were exported directly to consumer countries, with Japan, europe and the United States being the major buyers.

Properties, Diameter of canes varies from 4.5~13.50 mm with most between 5~8 mm, this variation is due to increase in diameter of the cane with length. the siliceous layer gives of the cane a glossy appereance and after fumigation with sulphur and sun drying, it is golden yellow in colour. The canes are lighter and more pliable than C. caesius, because it is more, the peels are preferred for weaving as they are easier to work with. Partly because of its smaller average diameter, between 7500~8000 pieces of 6 m long air-dried canes make a ton. internodal lengths vary from 15-30cm or more. (Prosea-rattan)