Eremospatha is a climbing genus of flowering plant in the palm family found in tropical Africa. These rattans are uncommon in cultivation and poorly understood by taxonomists; some 12 species have been described, of which three are commonly recognized. Closely related to Laccosperma, they are unique in the Calameae tribe by the near complete absence of bracts and bracteoles. The name is from Greek meaning "without a spathe".

Description

The slender, high-climbing trunks are naturally clustering and can reach up to 45 m in length. The pinnate leaves range from 30 cm to 2.5 m on short, armed petioles; the rachis, leaf margins and cirri are also armed with spines. They are hermaphroditic, with both male and female reproductive organs present in each flower. The pale blooms are fragrant and produce a red to brown, scaly fruit, each containing one to three seeds.

Distribution and habitat

These palms are native to the rain forest of west Africa, the Congo Basin, to Tanzania where they grow in swamps and alongside rivers.

References

External links

• Eremospatha on NPGS/GRIN
• GBIF Portal
• Fairchild Guide to Palms: Eremospatha