Characteristics of Rattan Wood in Indonesia, Indonesia has more than 300 types of rattan, but only about 51 species are known to the world and are commercial in nature. Many people think that rattan is the same as bamboo, even though these two plants have their own unique characteristics. Here are the characteristics of rattan plants in Indonesia so you can distinguish them from bamboo.
- How to Grow
Rattan is a plant that grows by spreading or creeping from the inside to the ground. The stems of the rattan plant that appeared on the ground began to wrap around the surrounding trees. The way to grow rattan is certainly different from bamboo which is not a vine.
- Trunk
Rattan rods are slender in shape with a diameter of 2-5 cm, have many long segments and are not hollow. The absence of cavities causes rattan not to break easily like bamboo sticks. Rattan rods can reach lengths of up to hundreds of meters and can release water when cut.
Rattan stems are protected by long, sharp, and hard spines. In addition to functioning as a means of self-protection, these thorns are useful when rattan climbs into the surrounding trees. Meanwhile, bamboo is protected by a soft hairy midrib that itch and will fall out when this plant is sturdy and old.
Benefits of Rattan Wood for Humans
After knowing the difference between rattan and bamboo, of course now it is not difficult for you to distinguish between the two. The easiest way to tell the difference is that rattan stalks are very flexible when compared to bamboo. Due to its flexibility, rattan is widely used for various purposes.
Rattan is a non-timber forest product commodity that can be used for various needs. Rattan rods are often used as materials for handicrafts to household furniture. Here are some of the benefits of rattan for meeting human needs:
- Rattan as Raw Material for Furniture and Crafts
The main use of rattan is as a raw material for making furniture. Rattan rods have good strength and are flexible so they are easy to shape. The price is also more affordable than wood commodities. You can make various household furniture such as chairs, tables, and cabinets.
Not only furniture, rattan can also be woven and used as crafts. You can install rattan wicker on the ventilation of the house to avoid the sun’s heat. Rattan is often used as walking sticks, broom sticks, umbrella stalks, or handles for cooking utensils.
- As Dye
Some types of rattan secrete a red sap (resin) from the flower stalk. This sap has been traded overseas to be used as a wood dye in violin instruments. This sap is also used as a coloring agent for the ceramic industry.
Since 2012, the government has issued a ban on the export of raw rattan to foreign countries. Entrepreneurs can buy raw rattan wood for around IDR 1,500 per kg. The price of semi-finished rattan is valued at around Rp. 20,000.00 per kg. The hope is that entrepreneurs can be more creative so they can produce high-value products.
Characteristics of Rattan Wood in Indonesia