Comparative study of anatomical features, chemical composition and distribution in rattan (Calamus simplicifolius) cane: Salicaceae wood vs. Poaceae plants characteristics

Gaining a better understanding of macro- and microstructure of rattan ( Calamus simplicifolius ) in a chemical sense is of importance to optimize its highly efficient utilization. In this work, In situ imaging techniques and wet chemistry approaches are used to investigate the anatomical structure, topochemical distribution and chemical composition along the radial direction of rattan cane. Surprisingly, the rattan cane exhibits anatomical features typical of Poaceae plants, with characteristic vascular bundles surrounded by parenchyma, while its lignin and hemicelluloses composition are more akin to that of Salicaceae wood. CLSM results indicat the concentration of lignin along the radial direction follows: the vascular bundles near the peel (VBs-P) < that in the middle (VBs-M) and near the core (VBs-C). Raman results reveal the distribution pattern of carbohydrates and cellulose in fiber cells following: VBs-P < VBs-M < VBs-C, whereas in parenchyma cells, the pattern is the opposite. NMR results suggest lignin of rettan consist of syringyl, guaiacyl, and p-hydroxyphenyl units. The S/G ratio is 4.29 and 2.70 in the peel and core, respectively. The alkali-extractable hemicelluloses consists of a (β-1–4)-Xylp backbone with 4- O -Me-α-D glucuronic acid attached at O -2, yielding X/U ratios of 23 for the peel and 20 for the core. These findings enhance our understanding of rattan cell wall biosynthesis and the insights into the anatomical structure and chemical composition will guide the optimization of rattan cane modification. • The rattan cane exhibits anatomical features typical of Poaceae plants. • In situ imaging techniques reveal chemical composition of rattan cane. • Major differences exist in topochemistry along the radial direction of rattan cane. • The rattan cane’s polysaccharides composition is similar to that of Salicaceae wood.