Amazing rattan: how the liana grows, from which everyone makes their favorite furniture

Rattan furniture is very popular not only in the countries of Southeast Asia, but also in other regions of the world. Products from this plant are environmentally friendly, durable, practical and, of course, very beautiful. But where are there so many rattan stems in Malaysia or Indonesia? Or are these plants specially cultivated for furniture?

Rattan is a material that is obtained from the stems of a tropical vine called calamus, or rattan palm. The rattan stalk can reach a length of 250-300 meters, while it is perfectly even along the entire length, which has become the reason for its incredible popularity as an ornamental and building material.

This is a widespread vine that can be found in the forests of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, so no one specifically grows calamus.

In addition to the same diameter along the entire length of the stem, the Kalamus liana has another important advantage. Its bark is very strong, and the wood itself has an unusual porous structure, which provides sufficient elasticity, and after special treatment with steam, the rattan stalk can be given almost any shape.

The dried rattan stalk is almost white in color. The material used to make the furniture is painted in darker natural colors. Whole stalks of lianas are used as the framework, and fibers that are obtained after splitting the stalk are used for the rattan cloth.

Not so long ago, wicker furniture made of natural rattan was made exclusively in places where calamus was grown. But today, dried rattan stalks are exported outside of Southeast Asia, and in many countries of Europe there is own production of products from this beautiful natural material.