PROPERTIES OF RATTAN CANE AS BASIS FOR DETERMINING OPTIMUM CUTTING CYCLE OF CULTIVATED <em>CALAMUS</em> <em>MERRILLII</em>

Abstract

The anatomical, physical, chemical and mechanical properties of cultivated Calamus merrillii were determined. These properties were used as basis for determining the optimum cycle age of rattan plantations. Stand age did not affect the basic properties of rattan cane. Cane properties were uniform throughout the age groups (7, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 18, 20 years). In wood, age-related variability in properties could be attributed to the secondary growth of stems. Rattan does not undergo secondary growth, thus, age-related variability in properties was not evident. Unlike trees where the cutting age is predetermined due to the presence of juvenile wood, the cutting age of cultivated C. merrillii is more flexible. Harvesting could start as early as 7 years after cultivation. However, it could only be used for splits due to its low modulus of rupture (class 3). Nonetheless, with rattan, plantation investors have more flexibility in assigning the appropriate cutting age of the stand. Hence, they would have more control over the rate of return of their investments.