Resources and Distribution of Rattan in China

Rattan, an important resource for non-timber forest products, has significant rules on biodiversity conservation and economic development. Here, rattan species resources and floral types and characteristics were studied based on related literature, field investigation and specimen identification. Results showed: (1) There were 3 genera and 40 species and varieties distributed within 12 provinces of China, and climber rattan was the main growth type. (2) Rattan in China exhibited significant horizontal distribution, while vertical distribution formed two distribution centers, including a southwest distribution center (Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province) and southeast distribution center (Hainan Province). (3) There were 10 areal-types of rattan in China. The dominant areal rattan species was of tropical Asia distribution, which presented India-Malay Areal type characteristics, and was closely associated with the Indo-China Peninsula and South Asian countries.