CLASSIFICATION OF RATTAN

Rattan is naturally found in the country’s dipterocarp forests and are distributed throughout
the country. Four genera, namely Calamus, Daemonorops, Korthalsia and Plectocomia, with
64 species are found in the country (PCARRD, 1991). 

 Calamus, with 44 species and 23 varieties, is the largest of the four genera. It is widely
distributed, but some species are narrow endemics and confined to specific islands or
mountains. 
 Daemonorops is the second largest group of Philippine rattans. There are 14 species
and one variety under this genus. Like Calamus, they are widely distributed but many
are confined to islands and mountains. 
 Korthalsia consists of only five species. Members of this genus have a more restricted
distribution. Three species are only found in Palawan, two species in Mindanao, and
one species in Luzon, Polillo Island, and in Mindanao. Plectocomia has the smallest
number of members. It consists of two species. Members of this genus are confined to
the primary rainforests of Palawan, Leyte, and Mindanao.

USES OR RATTAN

Originally called “rotan” in Malay, hundreds of uses have been developed to utilize the stem
of the plant. Furniture, ornaments, keepsakes, and even weapons have been developed
and their use is ever-increasing. These tropical vines are easier to harvest than timber, easier
to transport, and grow faster than trees, thus making them a very attractive resource. It is a
great alternative to wood furniture and for years it has been used to make the best furnishings
in the home or in outdoors. Because of its flexibility to a certain extent, a lot of creativity can
be exercised in the use of rattan in furniture making, particularly the rattan core. Almost
all parts of the rattan can be used. The skin of rattan strands is peeled off the core and used
for weaving. The remaining stems are then processed further, split into small diameters and
become the basic material of rattan furniture.