Anatomical and microstructural features of rattan (Calamus caesius)

Abstract

Calamus caesius, one of the most valuable high-quality rattans, has emerged as an economical material for use in commercial products. This study systematically investigated the anatomical and microstructural characteristics of Calamus caesius in terms of the frequency, radial diameter, tangential diameter, and form factor of the vascular bundles in both inner and outer regions, as well as the frequency, proportion, length, diameter, and length-diameter ratio of the vessel elements, and the size, double wall thickness, lumen diameter, and ultrastructure of the fibers. The results revealed that the sizes of both vascular bundles and vessel elements in the inner regions were larger than the outer regions, while the fiber proportions and morphological features remained relatively constant. The fibers have a multi-layered structure, most of which exhibited a four-layered structure in their secondary walls. The properties of various tissue structures reflect rattan’s desirable characteristics for use as high-quality commercial timber.