Comparison of physical and mechanical properties of four rattan species grown in China

Abstract Rattan cane is an important forest product only second to timber and bamboo, with higher economic value and ecological benefits. Physical and mechanical properties are more important quality performance indexes, which are highly correlated with the processing and utilization of rattan cane. The present paper describes a study of main physical and mechanical properties in different heights of rattan cane for four rattan species, and also makes a comparison of property for Calamus simplicifolius grown in different sites. The relationship between species, cane position, density and mechanical properties of the rattan in China is also discussed. The results show that the physical and mechanical properties differ among four rattan species, and they follow irregular variation pattern with height. The physical–mechanical properties have no significant difference among species except modulus of elasticity, and the same as the different geographical areas. The basic density and mechanical properties gave a more moderate correlation with quadric equation. This result will provide basic data support for property modification and commercial utilization of rattan resources.