Structural and anatomical analysis of rattan (<i>Calamus balansaeanus</i> Becc.)

Abstract Calamus balasaeanus Becc., a climbing palm species, has potential commercial value. Detailed anatomical and chemical analyses of rattan stems at different ages are crucial for their utilization in various industrial applications, particularly eco-friendly products. In this study, rattan stems of different ages were examined using light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results showed that the anatomical structure of rattan stems at different ages are very similar, with vascular bundle sizes ranging from 0.26 to 0.37 mm and a frequency of 8.4 to 13.7 bundles/mm 2 . The vessel lengths and diameters were 1.87–2.35 mm and 0.10–0.16 mm, respectively. Fiber lengths and diameters were 0.84–1.15 mm and 8.65–11.55 μm, respectively. As C . balasaeanus matured, the secondary wall of fiber cells thickened into the cell lumen, changing from 2 layers to 4 layers, the amount of crystallinity in cellulose increased while the mean microfibril angle decreased. The crystallinity of cellulose was higher in the periphery of the stem compared to the center. Unimodal imaging effectively visualized the distribution of various polysaccharides in C. balasaeanus tissues, with the highest concentrations of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin found in the base of the rattan stems.