(also ratan or rotan), a liana of the family Palmae, especially of the genus Calamus and closely related genera (for example, Daemonorops). The slender stems usually measure 3–5 cm in diameter and are very long (reaching 150–180 m or, according to other data, 300 m). The lianas climb with the aid of modified leaves or, sometimes, inflorescences, reaching the crowns of trees in the canopy of tropical rain forests. Some species, such as Calamus arborescens and C. erecta, have erect stems measuring as much as 6 m in height. The leaves are pinnate and end in a long tendril having recurved, claw-like barbs. Sometimes the axis of the inflorescence ends similarly. In some species the axis has been completely transformed into a “whip” clinging to the support, and normally developed inflorescences appear only on the top of the stem. Rattans are usually dioecious plants. The large, ovate fruits are edible in many species.
There are more than 350 rattan species, distributed primarily in tropical Asia. A few species are found in the tropics of Africa and Australia. The best-known species is Calamus rotang. The strong flexible stems of rattan are used in building, furniture-making, and the production of wicker items and boating and fishing gear. Calamus caesius and Calamus leiocaulis are cultivated for such purposes on the Malay Archipelago.
S. S. MORSHCHIKHINA