Anatomical characteristics, fibre morphologies, and densities of six rattan species from Malaysia

The anatomical characteristics, fibre morphologies, and densities were evaluated for six rattan species, i.e., Calamus manan, Calamus ornatus, Calamus ridleyanus, Calamus crinitus subsp. sabut, Korthalsia scortechinii, and Korthalsia tenuissima from the Forest Research Institute in Malaysia. Rattan samples of about 5 to 7 cm were cut at the middle portion of the internodes of a mature stem for assessment. The results allowed differentiation between the genera Calamus and Korthalsia based on anatomical characteristics such as the type of vascular bundle, ground tissue, and the presence of the ‘yellow cap.’ The fundamental properties of C. manan, including longer fiber length, thickest fibre wall, and higher density compared to other species, signified the superior quality of this species. Based on the density result, the study of other species of rattan would also find potential for furniture, decorations, and craft purposes.