WHERE DID RATTAN COME FROM ?

Where did it come from? We know that they look aesthetically pleasing and are very beautiful and work well in our homes, but what exactly are they?  Rattan is a type of plant that grows wild in the forest, especially in the tropics, and is a close relative of the palm tree. It is a flexible and hardy vine that is naturally renewable and thrives in an ideal environment. Its ease of availability has made it a popular choice of furniture material for a long time.

Rattan plants come from the tropical regions of Asia, Africa, and Australia. Generally grows in valleys, mountains, and hills with tropical conditions. There are many different types of rattan plants, some of which reach lengths of up to 100 meters and even more. The rattan palm is supported by a sheath that has a backbone that functions as a protective layer. This spine also supports the vine to help it grow over other plants and trees. This rattan plant has become an invaluable part of the livelihoods of rural communities in South and Southeast Asia.

Rattan is a great potential resource because it is easy to grow, harvest and distribute it. It is easy to transport, grows faster than trees, and is easy to harvest. The majority of rattan plants are in the forests of Indonesia and in the Philippines. Unfortunately, currently, the supply of rattan plants is decreasing with the increasing deforestation of forests.

Rattan plant stems are cut in the forest to a certain length between 6 - 12 meters for easy transportation and then partially processed before being sold to producers. The large sticks are boiled in oil to protect them from insects and dry them out, and the thinner sticks are dried and then steamed with sulfur.

Places such as Cambodia and Vietnam rely heavily on the rattan trade as it accounts for up to 50% of their income. In Vietnam, they make rattan products and then ship them overseas with 60% of the bulk of distribution going to Europe.

And did you know that rattan is not only used for furniture? it has a wide range of uses, as it is very strong and flexible. Here are some of the uses of Rattan:

1. Food. Some rattan fruit can be eaten. They are very sour, with a strong citrus taste.
2. Shelter. In rural areas of South and Southeast Asia, rattan is an approved building material.
3. Furniture (of course!). Rattan is primarily used for furniture production due to its modern look, durability, and versatility.
4. Craft. Apart from furniture, the main use of rattan is for making objects such as baskets.