Overview

Calamus australis is a clump forming palm in the genus Calamus, part of the Arecaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Calamus australis grows best in full sun, and tolerates clay soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include pond margins and cottage and informal gardens. It is native to Queensland.

About

Calamus australis, commonly known as wait-a-while, hairy mary or lawyer cane, is a plant in the palm family Arecaceae which is endemic to the rainforests of north east Queensland, Australia. Like other species in the genus Calamus, this is a climbing plant with a very long and flexible stem.

About the genus

Calamus is a genus of flowering plants in the palm family Arecaceae, and is one of several genera known as rattan palms. There are an estimated 400 species in this genus, all native to tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Wikipedia contributors, "Calamus (palm)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Calamus (palm)

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Calamus

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Clay

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Soil moisture

Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained

Aspect

South-facing, West-facing

Exposure

Exposed, Sheltered

UK hardiness

H7

Plant details

Calamus australis size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

Palm

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Suggested uses

Pond margins, Cottage and informal gardens

Native to

Queensland

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Calamus australis

Propagation

Rhizome division

Pest resistance

Generally pest-free

Disease resistance

Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions