Rattan Palm

Rattan Palm, common name applied to any of numerous species of climbing palms (see Palm), native to tropical forest regions of Eurasia, especially of the East Indies. Rattan palms have long, slender stems that maintain an almost uniform diameter throughout their length. The stem grows as long as 182 m (600 ft). The cortical, or outer, portion of the stem is extremely hard and durable; the medullary, or inner, portion is softer and somewhat porous. The stems are cut at the base of the plant and are pulled free of other plants by which the climbing palms are supported; the leaves and tendrils are then removed, and the stems are cut into short lengths for shipment. Whole sections of rattan stem are used in making walking sticks and cane furniture; long, thin strips of the cortical layer of the stem are used in making wicker furniture and chair seats, mats, baskets, cords, and twine. Malacca walking sticks are made from one species of rattan palm.

Scientific classification: Rattan palms belong to the genera Calamus and Daemonorops of the family Arecaceae (formerly Palmae). Malacca walking sticks are made from the species classified as Calamus scipionum.