Hairy Mary, Lawyer cane, Wait-a while
It is a tropical plant. It grows in rainforests forming impenetrable thickets along the edge of the forest. They do best in cool, shady sites. They need rich, well-drained soil. They will grow in temperate places. In northern Australia they grow from sea level to above 1,000 m altitude.
Synonyms
- Calamus amischus Burret
- Calamus jaboolum F. M. Bailey
- Calamus obstruens F. Muell.
Edible Portion
- Fruit
Where does Hairy Mary grow?
Found in: Australia
Notes: There are 375-400 Calamus species. There are 175 species in tropical Asia.
Growing Hairy Mary, Lawyer cane, Wait-a while
Cultivation: Plants can be grown from seed which must be planted very fresh. The seed germinate in a few weeks. If allowed to dry out, seed germinate very erratically. Seedlings are not easy to transplant.
Edible Uses: The flesh of the fruit can be eaten. This can also be used for a drink.
Production: In Australia, fruit occur from November to February.
Nutrition Info
per 100g edible portion| Edible Part | Energy (kcal) | Protein (g) | Iron (mg) | Vitamin A (ug) | Vitamin c (mg) | Zinc (mg) | % Water |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | - | - |
References
Blomberry, A. & Rodd, T., 1982, Palms. An informative practical guide. Angus & Robertson. p 70
Cooper W & Cooper W T, 1994, Fruits of the Rain Forest. RD Press p 60
Cooper, W. and Cooper, W., 2004, Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Nokomis Editions, Victoria, Australia. p 69
Cribb, A.B. & J.W., 1976, Wild Food in Australia, Fontana. p 63
Cronin, L., 1989, The Concise Australian Flora. Reed. p 231
Cronin, L., 2000, Australian Palms, Ferns, Cycads and Pandans. Cronin Publications. p 68
Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 404
Gibbons, M., 1993, Palms. Compact study Guide and Identifier. Sandstone. p 25
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 48
Hiddins, L., 1999, Explore Wild Australia with the Bush Tucker Man. Penguin Books/ABC Books. p 148
Jackes, B.R., 2001, Plants of the Tropics. Rainforest to Heath. An Identification Guide. James Cook University. p 42
Jones, D.L., 1994, Palms throughout the World. Smithtonian Institution, Washington. p 155
Jones, D.L., 2000, Palms of Australia 3rd edition. Reed/New Holland. p 79, 81,
Melzer, R., & Plumb, J., 2011, Plants of Capricornia. Belgamba, Rockhampton. p 42
Nicholson, N & H., 1994, Australian Rainforest Plants 4, Terania Rainforest Publishing. NSW. p 18
Riffle, R.L. & Craft, P., 2003, An Encyclopedia of Cultivated Palms. Timber Press. p 284
Townsend, K., 1994, Across the Top. Gardening with Australian Plants in the tropics. Society for Growing Australian Plants, Townsville Branch Inc. p 110
Tucker, R., 1988, The Palms of Subequatorial Queensland. Palm and Cycad Society of Australia, Milton, Queensland. p 32