Rattan, also spelled ratan, is the name for roughly 600 species of Old World climbing palms belonging to subfamily Calamoideae. The greatest diversity of rattan palm species and genera are in the closed-canopy old-growth tropical forests of Southeast Asia, though they can also be found in other parts of tropical Asia and Africa. Most rattan palms are ecologically considered lianas due to their climbing habits, unlike other palm species. A few species also have tree-like or shrub-like habits.
Around 20% of rattan palm species are economically important and are traditionally used in Southeast Asia in producing wickerwork furniture, baskets, canes, woven mats, cordage, and other handicrafts. Rattan canes are one of the world's most valuable non-timber forest products. Some species of rattan also have edible scaly fruit and heart of palm. Despite increasing attempts in the last 30 years at commercial cultivation, almost all rattan products still come from wild-harvested plants. Rattan supplies are now rapidly threatened due to deforestation and overexploitation. Rattan were also historically known as Malacca cane or Manila cane, based on their trade origins, as well as numerous other trade names for individual species.
Close-up of the edible scaly fruits and the spiny stem of Calamus rotang in Thailand
Most rattan palms are classified ecologically as lianas, because most mature rattan palms have a vine-like habit, scrambling through and over other vegetation. But they differ from true woody lianas in several ways. Because rattans are palms, they do not branch and they rarely develop new root structures upon contact of the stem with soil. They are also monocots and thus do not exhibit secondary growth. This means, the diameter of the rattan stem is always constant. The width of juvenile rattan palms is the same as adult palms, usually around 2–5 centimetres (3⁄4–2 inches) in diameter, with long internodes between the leaves. This also means juvenile rattan palms are rigid enough to remain free-standing, unlike true lianas which always need structural support, even when young. Many rattans also have spines which act as hooks to aid climbing over other plants, and to deter herbivores. The spines also give rattans the ability to climb wide-diameter trees, unlike other vines which use tendrils or twining which can only climb narrower supports. Rattans have been known to grow up to hundreds of metres long.
Base of a clustering rattan palm in Sulawesi, Indonesia
A few species of rattans are non-climbing. These range from free-standing tree-like species (like Retispatha dumetosa) to acaulescent shrub-like species with short subterranean stems (like Calamus pygmaeus).
Rattans can also be solitary (single-stemmed), clustering (clump-forming), or both. Solitary rattan species grow into a single stem. Clustering rattan, on the other hand, develop clumps of up to 50 stems via suckers, similar to bamboo and bananas. These clusters can produce new stems continually as individual stems die. The impact of harvesting is much greater in solitary species, since the whole plant dies when harvested. An example of a commercially important single-stemmed species is Calamus manan. Clustering species, on the other hand, have more potential to become sustainable if the rate of harvesting does not exceed the rate of stem replacement via vegetative reproduction.
Rattans also display two types of flowering: hapaxanthy and pleonanthy. All the species of the genera Korthalsia, Laccosperma, Plectocomia, Plectocomiopsis, and Myrialepis are hapaxanthic; as well as a few species of Daemonorops. This means they only flower and fruit once then die. All other rattan species are pleonanthic, being able to flower and fruit continually. Most commercially harvested species are pleonanthic, because hapaxanthic rattans tend to have soft piths making them unsuitable for bending. Source : Here
Characteristics of Rattan Wood in Indonesia
There are about 50 types of rattan which are commercial, while about 250 species are still researched. Indonesia is the largest rattan producing country in the world. As an export commodity, rattan from Indonesia fills about 80% of the world’s raw material needs. This means that rattan has a very high economic value in international trade.Indonesia has more than 300 types of rattan, but only about 51 species are known to the world and are commercial. Many people think that rattan is the same as bamboo, even though these two plants have their own unique characteristics. Here are the characteristics of rattan plants in Indonesia so you can distinguish them from bamboo.
How to Grow
Rattan is a plant that grows by spreading or vine from the inside to the ground. The stems of rattan plant that appeared on the ground began to wrap around the surrounding trees. How to grow rattan is certainly different from bamboo which is not a vine.
Rods
Many areas in Indonesia are known as artisan areas. The handicrafts produced are also varied, ranging from pottery to making puppets. Many of these crafts are exported abroad or sold domestically. One type of craft that is well known by the public at home and abroad is rattan craft.
Rattan crafts use rattan plants (vines from the Palmae family) as the main material. This type of plant is commonly found in Indonesia forests. Initially, the rattan plant was only used as rope material. However, now rattan is used to make various handicrafts and furniture. There are many areas in Indonesia that part of rattan craftsman area. Which area is it?
Cirebon
Cirebon, West Java is one of the centers of rattan industry in Indonesia. It is estimated that there are more than 900 business units of rattan craftsmen in Cirebon City. Rattan handicrafts that often produced in Cirebon are furniture. Many of these handicrafts are sold domestically and exported abroad. One of the villages in Cirebon which is known for its rattan crafts is Tegalwangi Village, Weru, Cirebon, West Java.
Jepara
Jepara, Central Java, is not only known for its worldwide carving crafts. Jepara is also known for its rattan crafts. Even Jepara is included in one of the largest rattan craft centers in Indonesia. Telukwetan Village, Welahan, Jepara is one of the centers for rattan craftsmen in Indonesia. The rattan furniture, such as chairs or sofas, souvenirs and so on.
Sukoharjo
Trangsan Village, Gatak, Sukoharjo, Central Java is one of the villages of rattan furniture exporters in Indonesia. The handicrafts are furniture made from rattan. Usually these crafts are exported to various major countries, such as the United States, Europe, Australia, South Korea and other countries. In addition to making furniture, many people of Trangsan Village also produce baby swings, fruit baskets, room dividers, waste baskets, and others.
Central Kalimantan
Katingan, Central Kalimantan is one of the largest rattan-producing centers in Indonesia. Rattan handicrafts from Katingan are almost the same as other areas. The difference lies in the Katingan rattan craft motif which is took Dayak elements. Rattan handicrafts from Katingan for example tables, bags, baskets, chairs, room dividers, and others. This craft is also widely sent to various regions in Indonesia and exported to foreign countries.
Yogyakarta
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