Abstract

Species selection is very important when large scale plantations are planned or when some of the commercially important species from other regions are adopted and acclimatized for widening the resource base. A species trial of Rattans with four species from Karnataka and Goa part of the Western Ghats was conducted at two different elevations, at Kacchithodu at 300 m asl under Thrissur Forest Division and at Nelliampathy at 1000 m asl under Nemmara Forest Division. Species planted were Calamus prasinus, C. nagbettai, C. stoloniferus and C. thwaitesii (Goa Provinance). Survival percentage and growth in height were monitored during the experimental period. C. nagbettai grew well at both elevations. Hence this species is recommended for raising large scale plantations at elevations up to 1000 m.

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