larasfurniture

Uses

Rattans are extensively used for making furniture and baskets. When cut into sections, rattan can be used as wood to make furniture. Rattan accepts paints and stains like many other kinds of wood, so it is available in many colours; and it can be worked into many styles. Moreover, the inner core can be separated and worked into wicker – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rattan#Uses

Generally, raw rattan is processed into several products to be used as materials in furniture making. The various species of rattan ranges from several millimetres up to 5–7 cm in diameter. From a strand of rattan, the skin is usually peeled off, to be used as rattan weaving material. The remaining “core” of the rattan can be used for various purposes in furniture making. Rattan is a very good material mainly because it is lightweight, durable, and—to a certain extent—flexible. – http://www.kubu-rattan-furniture.com/articles/rattan-uses

Characteristics

All Rattans are climbers – they need other plants for support.

1.     The stems are solid

2.     Member of the ‘palm’ family
Rattans, hence are climbing palms the stems of which are used to make canes, hence the common name ‘canes’. While they are superficially similar to bamboo, the distinguishing feature is that their stems have a solid core rather than a hollow one. Also, rattans need some sort of a support for growth while bamboos can grow on their own. – http://wikieducator.org/Bamboo_and_Rattan/Rattan/Course-1_Unit-2#2.1_General_characteristics_of_rattan_species