Rattan: From The Jungle To Your Patio
Rattan is one of the most common plant materials used in weaving wicker furniture. Fibers from the plant are durable and can yield to bending, making it ideal for several types of wicker products. Most wicker owners can attest that rattan furniture may last longer than wood ones.
Rattan is a member of Family Palmae, commonly found in Southeast Asia. In countries such as Thailand, Myanmar, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines, some of the genera of rattan palms are Calamus, Calospatha, Ceratolobus, Daemonorops, Pogonotium, and Retispatha, among others. Most of these genera grow to almost 20 feet tall, and are covered with sharp spines along their dark green or deep brown stems.
Harvesting of rattan requires cutting off the stems or canes and peeling off the tough exterior which contains the spines. The rattan is cut off about three feet from the ground, and never uprooted to allow them to grow again. The canes are made hollow by removing the inside portion which is softer and white, and this is the part which is used for weaving. The hollow canes are also gathered as they will serve as the framework for the weaving.
The rattan canes and fibers are bundled and are brought to an area for cleaning and sun-drying. In some cases, chemicals are used to thoroughly clean the fibers. These dried bundles are then shipped or exported to furniture makers worldwide. Once at the furniture factory, the rattan is shaped, woven, and treated with stains or paints for a durable and good finish.
Now you know. Your wicker chair may have traveled halfway around the world and have gone through so much before it rested in your room. Rattan is only one of many alternatives of wicker makers, and there are a lot of other facts to know about their fibers. Consider them as nature’s gift to you.
