Rattan, << ra TAN, >> is a tough, stringy material. It comes from the reedy stems of different kinds of palms that grow in Africa and southeast Asia. These trees belong to the genus of palms known as Calamus. The stems of rattan palms may grow to lengths of more than 500 feet (150 meters). The plants climb over other trees by means of hooks on the stems.
In the countries where these palms grow, natives use the rattan stem to make ropes and mats. American and European countries import the stems. Manufacturers use them to make umbrella handles, walking sticks, furniture, baskets, ship cables, and chair bottoms. Rattan is strong, bends easily, and lasts long. The finest grades of rattan come from the island of Borneo. Other good rattans grow in Malaysia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and Sumatra.
Workers prepare the stems for shipment by cutting them into lengths of 5 to 20 feet (1.5 to 6 meters). They remove the leaves and outer covering by pulling the stems through a notch in a tree or board. Some rattan palms have a fruit that can be eaten. The young shoots of others are eaten like vegetables.
See also Basket making .
