Rotan Potensial dari Hutan Bukit Lubuk Pekak, Merangin, Jambi

Rattan is a potential non-timber forest product. It grows in almost parts of Indonesia and has been widely used and traded. Indonesia as the largest rattan producer in the world supplies about 85% of world rattan needs. However, the threat from rattan exploitation is increasing, especially in Bukit Lubuk Pekak. Bukit Lubuk Pekak Forest is part of Production Forest Management Unit (KPHP) area located in Merangin District, Jambi Province. It is necessary to conduct study on the potency of rattan in that area for future conservation efforts. This study aimed to investigate rattan species in Bukit Lubuk Pekak forest, Merangin District, Jambi Province. Information of the potency of rattan is essential to support rattan industries. To complete data of rattan potency from Sumatra, an exploration in this area was carried out in July 2016 in Bukit Lubuk Pekak Forest. The study was conducted by purpossive sampling. Identification on morphological characteristics of rattan were performed on all parts of plants including fruits and seeds (if available). The results showed that there were four rattan genera in Bukit Lubuk Pekak Forest: Calamus, Daemonorops, Korthalsia, and Plectocomiopsis. They consisted of nine species, namely Calamus caesius, C. exillis, C. insignis var. longispinosus, C. laevigatus, C. tumidus, Daemonorops micracantha, D. didymophylla, Korthalsia flagellaris, and Plectocomiopsis geminiflora. Among the nine species, two species that is Calamus caesius and Daemonorops didymophylla have been cultivated for industry raw materials and medicine, respectively.