Rattan Cane: A Renewable Source

Rattan Cane is one of nature’s fastest growing natural resources. So when you purchase Islander rattan cane furniture you can relax and enjoy its natural beauty
knowing that it’s naturally eco friendly.

Rattan Cane is the mainstay of rural economies of the Asia Pacific Region – without Rattan Cane it is difficult to imagine life in the village setting.  Rattan Cane has been cultivated by villages in Kalimantanm and Borneo since the 1850’s and this cultivation and harvesting provides the villagers with an important source of revenue, ensuring it’s survival as a sustainable resource.

Rattans grow naturally only in tropical forests of the Asia Pacific Region. Outside this, it is only found naturally growing in West Africa.

Rattan Cane is a spiny, climbing plant, belonging to the sub-family “Calamoideae” of the Palm family “Palmae”. In all, the Rattans of the world may possibly number about 600 species in 13 genera, with the genera “Calamus” being the predominant species used in furniture.

In the Rainforest, Rattan Cane, being mainly a climber, exploits gaps in the canopy to grow rapidly in length. Rattan is the longest plant in the world, with lengths of 185 metres being recorded. The bare stem of Rattan, because of its strength, flexibility and uniformity is used for the construction of Cane Furniture.  Weight for weight, it is one of the strongest natural woods available – ideal for Furniture construction.

The Rattan Palm is harvested when it reaches a minimum age of 6 years and is semi processed by the villagers in the jungle, then taken to processing factories to make ready for the Furniture Industry.  Even though the popularity and worldwide demand for Rattan is increasing at a rapid rate, the original cultivation practice of the aboriginal people of Asia will ensure its survival as a sustainable resource.