rattan

Any of various types of palm with very long, slender climbing stems, often growing to 120 m/390 ft. Rattans are native to Southeast Asia, and include species belonging to the genera Calamus, Korthalsia, and Daemonorops. Rattans usually have spines or hooks on their stems and leaves; these help the plants to force their way upwards through the thick tropical forest in which they grow. The stems yield various forms of cane; the Malacca cane used for walking sticks comes from C. scipionum, other species are used for making cane furniture, mats, and baskets.