Calamus erectus
| Calamus erectus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Arecales |
| Family: | Arecaceae |
| Genus: | Calamus |
| Species: | C. erectus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Calamus erectus Roxb. (1832) | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Calamus erectus, also known as viagra palm and locally as tynriew, tara, and zhi li sheng teng, is a flowering shrub in the family Arecaceae.[1] The specific epithet (erectus) refers to the plant's habit of growing straight rather than creeping or climbing like many species of the genus Calamus.
Distribution and habitat
Calamus erectus is native to
Tista and Rangit valley of West Bengal and Sikkim. It also grows in lowland and montane rainforests or drier forests, especially on steep slopes, up to 1,400 meters (4,600 feet) in elevation.[1]
Description
Calamus erectus is a
USDA zone 9b (25–30 °F or −4 – −1 °C).[1]
Uses
The plant is cultivated experimentally in several locations across
betel nuts.[1] It is sometimes used in folk medicine, as it is considered to hold antioxidant and anti-diabetic properties. It is offered to the Gods of the Sanamahism religion during the Lunar New Year celebration rituals known as Cheiraoba. The young shoots and leaves are eaten as a vegetable and have a bitter flavor when raw.[2]
Nutritional value
The fruit contains rich amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.[2]
See also
- List of culinary fruits
- List of culinary vegetables
References
- ^ a b c d "Calamus erectus - Palmpedia - Palm Grower's Guide". www.palmpedia.net. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
- ^ a b "Calamus erectus Roxb". India Biodiversity Portal. Retrieved 5 March 2021.