 Rattan
- presently the largest source used in the fabrication of wicker
furniture. A climbing vine, native to the tropical rain forests of
Southeast Asia. It commonly grows to lengths of 600 feet and diameters
between 1/8 of an inch to more than 2 inches. The harvesting of rattan
occurs between 7 to 15 years from the start of the new growth. Within
the family of rattan, there are several hundred varieties. Rattan,
unlike bamboo is a solid core vine which makes it ideal for use in
making sturdy furniture.
Cane
- the stem of large rattans. It has a distinct joint where the palm
leaf connects to the stem, and assumes a yellow color during the drying
process. Fine cane can be used to make natural wicker or for stained
pieces.
Bamboo
- these are large tropical grasses which commonly grow to over 100
feet. Bamboo can also grow at a tremendous rate, sometimes over 36
inches a day. Most plants grow naturally in the warm regions of
temperate climates. There are approximately 500 to 1000 varieties of
bamboo. It is easiest to identify due to its nodular growth and hollow
stem.
Reed
- this is the name given to items made by weaving swamp grasses similar
to straw. Sometimes the term is also used for the core of the rattan
vine. Reed is the material used on the early American wicker chairs.
Willow
- this grows in the northern countries of Europe and regions of North
America. It has value due to its rapid growth and for the production of
light durable wood. Willow retains its natural moisture which makes it
long lasting and easily woven. It can be easily identified because the
diameter of each strand becomes smaller near one end.
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