Philippine Journal of Science
138 (1): 55-66, June 2009
ISSN 0031 - 7683
Influence of Growth Rate, Elevation and Sunlight on
the Anatomical and Physico-Mechanical Properties of
Plantation-Grown Palasan (Calamus merrillii Becc.) Canes
Willie P. Abasolo* and Olga C. Lomboy1
Forest Products and Paper Science Department
College of Forestry and Natural Resources
University of the Philippines, Los Baños, College Laguna
1
Office of the Chancellor, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, Laguna
The influence of growth rate, elevation and sunlight exposure on the properties of plantationgrown palasan canes was verified in order to promote the utilization of cultivated canes to
encourage the establishment of more palasan plantations. Properties evaluated were fiber length,
wall thickness, fiber distribution, ovendried specific gravity, Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) and
Modulus of Rupture (MOR) using standard procedures. Growth rate ranged from 0.36 to 3.79
m/yr, elevation was from 10 to 980 masl and sunlight exposure from 20 to 90.28%, showing that
palasan plants can thrive in varying site conditions. Among the properties evaluated, only
fiber percentage was moderately affected by both growth rate (r = 0.53) and amount of sunlight
exposure (r = 0.51). Elevation, on the other hand, moderately influenced wall thickness (r = 0.45).
Mechanical properties of the cane were unaffected by the three parameters. Therefore, the
study proved that palasan plant is an ideal plantation species because it thrives in any kind of
site and its properties are minimally affected by the major site characteristics such as elevation
and sunlight exposure. Thus, it is recommended that more palasan plantations be established
to provide a sustainable supply of raw canes to the rattan furniture industry.
Key Words: Cell wall thickness, elevation, fiber length, fiber percentage, growth rate, modulus of
elasticity, modulus of rupture, specific gravity, sunlight exposure
INTRODUCTION
Rattan are climbing palms that belong to the Arecaceae
family and utilized for their flexible stems (Sunderland
& Dransfield 2002). There are about 64 species of
rattan from four genera, namely Calamus, Daemonorps,
Korthalsia, and Plectocomia (PCARRD 1991) that are
distributed all over the Philippine Archipelago. The
continued increase in the demand for finished rattan
products, coupled with the unabated destruction of its
natural habitat, had placed the country’s rattan resources
into a condition in which it could no longer sustain the
*Corresponding author: [email protected]
burgeoning handicraft industry. If nothing is done to
improve the supply of raw canes, soon this multimillion
dollar enterprise would be lost.
One good alternative source of raw materials is rattan
plantations. Properly managed plantation could provide
unlimited supply of raw canes but it has yet to get the
acceptance of the industry. This is partly due to the fact
that the properties of its cane are still unknown. The utility
and acceptability of any plant material for a specific enduse depends largely on the quality, e.g., density, stiffness,
and flexibility, of its stem. However, stem production
is the result of a series of growth processes that the
55
Philippine Journal of Science
Vol. 138 No. 1, June 2009
plant undergoes and as such its quality is affected by
anything that influences its growth rate (Larson 1972),
e.g., site elevation, amount of sunlight, and seasonal
fluctuations of moisture, among others. Stem quality is
determined by its flexibility (Modulus of Elasticity) and
maximum stress before breakage (Modulus of Rupture).
These parameters are dependent on the amount of cell
wall substance per unit area (specific gravity) that
varies from species to species based on its fiber wall
thickness, fiber lumen diameter, and fiber ratio within
the tissue.
The growth rate of the plant would determine the total
harvestable volume. Faster growing trees would produce
longer and larger diameter stems than slower growing
trees. Nonetheless, accelerated growth would also lead
to the development of low quality stems (Haslett et al.
1991), one of the drawbacks of utilizing plantationgrown trees. For example, fast growing trees normally
develop shorter tracheids and fibers (Hildebrandt
1960) due to the tendency of their fusiform initials
(meristematic cells responsible for longitudinally
oriented cells) to divide even before reaching their
potential length (Bannan 1967). Furthermore, cell
wall thickness is determined by the availability of
carbohydrates and hormonal activity within the cell
(Richardson 1964). Rapid growth stimulates cell
division in the vascular cambium (Taylor 1982) which
in turn consumes the food reserves of the plant, leading
to the development of thinner cell wall. Consequently,
this would result in a decrease in specific gravity and
a reduction in stem stiffness (Downes et al. 2002).
Lower strength would limit the possible end-uses of the
material leading to the reduction of its value.
The relationships between growth rate and stem
characteristics have been extensively evaluated in trees
grown in plantations (Bamber et al. 1982; Ohbayashi
& Shiokura 1989; Wahyudi et al. 2000) but for rattan
canes, this information is limited only to the growth rate
of some species (Dransfield & Manokaran 1993). Now
that the utilization of plantation-grown rattan canes is
being promoted it is essential that this association be
elucidated. Likewise, due to the significant influence
of site elevation and the amount of sunlight exposure
on the growth rate of rattan plants (Abasolo 2006), their
influence on cane properties should also be verified.
The current report aims to clarify the impact of growth
rate, elevation, and amount of sunlight exposure on
the basic properties of palasan canes. This is aimed at
promoting the utilization of plantation-grown palasan
canes to further encourage the establishment of more
palasan plantations.
56
Abasolo & Lomboy: Influence of Growth Rate, Elevation
and Sunlight on Plantation-Grown Palasan Canes
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Plant Material
Sample canes were obtained from 12 Palasan (Calamus
merrillii Becc.) plantations situated in different parts of
the Philippines (Figure 1). These plantations differ in
their ages and sizes and were established either by the
Department of Natural Resources (DENR) or by the
Philippine National Oil Company- Energy Development
Corporation (PNOC-EDC) (Table 1). They were
established in secondary forest or logged-over areas where
Dipterocarps and Almaciga trees used to thrive. Seeds
used to propagate the planting stocks were taken from a
natural stand in Ormoc, Leyte. After approximately three
months of conditioning in nurseries, seedlings were out
planted with a spacing of 2m x 2m. Besides weeding
for the first three (3) years of establishment, no other
silvicultural treatments, e.g., fertilizer application, canopy
modification, were performed on all the sites.
Elevation and sunlight exposure determination
The elevation of the individual sites was measured using
a standard altimeter in meters above sea level (masl).
Average measurement of two readings was used in the
evaluation.
Before cane extraction, digital images of the forest canopy
exactly where the cane was growing were taken using a
Fujifilm FinePix 4500. These images were subjected to
image analysis software (Image J) to estimate the open
spaces in the canopy. Through these spaces, sunlight
could penetrate the forest canopy and could be utilized
by the plant for growth and development. From this, the
amount of utilizable sunlight was estimated (Abasolo
2006). The mean value of two measurements was used
in the analysis.
Growth rate
Palasan plants undergo a rosette/grass stage (Figure 2).
This is a peculiar primary growth behavior of most palms
wherein the stem first completes its diameter/ thickening
growth before internodal elongation occurs (Tomlinson
1961). At this time, cane production is dormant and this
would normally take 3-5 years (Tomlinson 1990). In
some cases, it may take even longer depending on the
characteristics, e.g., physical, environmental, of the site
(Abasolo 2006). Without knowing exactly when cane
production has started, it would be very difficult to
determine the actual growth rate of the cane. For this
reason, the rosette/grass stage was disregarded in the
analysis and it was assumed that cane development started
right after a year of establishment. This would simplify
Philippine Journal of Science
Vol. 138 No. 1, June 2009
Abasolo & Lomboy: Influence of Growth Rate, Elevation
and Sunlight on Plantation-Grown Palasan Canes
Figure 1. Location map of the individual palasan plantations.
57
Philippine Journal of Science
Vol. 138 No. 1, June 2009
Abasolo & Lomboy: Influence of Growth Rate, Elevation
and Sunlight on Plantation-Grown Palasan Canes
Table 1. Growth rate, elevation and amount of sunlight exposure of the
individual samples coming from different sites.
Total Growth
Sunlight
Elevation
Sample Age Location Length
rate
Exposure
(masl)
(m)
(m/yr)
(%)
QP2-84
20
Pagbilao,
Quezon
16
0.80
500
21.00
LP2-86
18
Daraga,
Legaspi
41
2.28
10
72.91
TP-89
15
Ormoc,
Leyte
33
2.20
220
83.34
LP1-90
14
Daraga,
Legaspi
53
3.79
10
83.90
NP-93
11
Southern
Negros
4
0.36
660
63.74
MPL-93
11
Ormoc,
Leyte
11
1.00
980
42.43
QP1-94
10
Pagbilao,
Quezon
6
0.60
480
20.00
AKP-94
10
Ormoc,
Leyte
10
1.00
520
53.75
MP-94
10
Southern
Negros
8
0.80
460
22.79
MP-96
8
Southern
Negros
17
2.13
460
90.28
PNOC-97
7
Sorsogon
5
0.71
480
50.58
7
Southern
Negros
11
1.57
800
32.67
NP-97
Figure 2. Palasan plant in its rosette/grass stage.
58
the evaluation and standardize the results. This would
also serve as one of the limitations of the study, though
based on a previous paper (Abasolo 2007), disregarding
the rosette stage would not significantly affect the outcome
of the work. Therefore, growth rate per year was obtained
by dividing the total length of the cane by its age.
Sample preparation
After determining the total length, two meter long samples
coming from the base, middle, and top most portions of
the stem were obtained. Sample disks were cut off from
the three portions. The peripheral and core regions were
delineated out and from these regions, 1 cm3 sample
blocks were processed. Parallel to the blocks, match-stick
samples were prepared. The former were used for fiber
area percentage determination while the latter were used
for fiber length and cell wall thickness measurements.
Fiber Characteristics
The sample cubes were boiled in water for several hours
to soften the tissues. After boiling, 35 – 45 μm thick cross
sectional slices were cut off with a sliding microtome.
Slices were stained with safranin and fast green then
mounted on clean permanent slides. With a microscope
equipped with a digital camera, at least five digital images
were taken for every region. Fiber area percentage was
Philippine Journal of Science
Vol. 138 No. 1, June 2009
determined using the procedures illustrated in a previous
article (Abasolo et al 2005). The digital images were
subjected to image analysis software (Image J). The area
occupied by the fibers was delineated out. Area percentage
was then obtained by dividing the total fiber area with the
total image area multiplied by 100. The data from the two
regions (peripheral and core) for the three portions (base,
middle, and top) were consolidated and average values
were calculated.
The match stick-sized samples were macerated in 50:50
solutions of glacial acetic acid and 20% hydrogen
peroxide. Upon defibrillation, at least 30 whole fibers
were randomly selected. Fiber length, fiber diameter,
and lumen diameter were measured using a standard
light microscope with a built-in vernier scale. Cell wall
thickness was obtained by getting the difference between
fiber diameter and lumen diameter then the answer divided
by two. Average values coming from every portion were
used in the evaluation.
Physico-mechanical characteristics
A universal testing machine (UTM) was utilized to
determine the mechanical attributes of the individual
cane. Static bending tests were performed following
the American Society for Testing Materials standard for
small clear specimens of timber (ASTM 1975). Modulus
of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) were
derived. Two measurements were performed for the base,
middle, and top most portion of the cane. The average of
Abasolo & Lomboy: Influence of Growth Rate, Elevation
and Sunlight on Plantation-Grown Palasan Canes
these six measurements was obtained in order to get a
general perspective of the mechanical characteristics of
the individual rattan stems.
After static bending tests, sample disks were again
prepared. Similar to the previous preparation (fiber
analysis), the peripheral and core regions were delineated
out. From these regions, 0.5 x 0.5 x 1 cm sample blocks
were prepared. A total of ten blocks per region were made.
Following the gravimetric method, ovendry specific
gravity was derived. Average values coming from all
regions and from all portions were obtained and were
used in the analysis.
Statistical analysis
Standard analysis of variance (ANOVA) at α = 5% was
performed on all the data set. Likewise, standard deviation
from the mean was computed. Finally, relationships between
parameters were analyzed with a simple linear regression.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Growth Rate
Figure 3 shows a palasan plantation in Ormoc, Leyte. The
different palasan plantations yielded varying growth rates
ranging from 0.36 to 3.79 m/yr (Table 2) which is comparable
with the recorded growth rate of 0.70 m/yr reported by
Figure 3. Palasan plantation in Ormoc, Leyte
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Philippine Journal of Science
Vol. 138 No. 1, June 2009
Abasolo & Lomboy: Influence of Growth Rate, Elevation
and Sunlight on Plantation-Grown Palasan Canes
Table 2. Fiber characteristics of the individual rattan samples.
Sample
Fiber length
(mm)a
Cell wall thickness Fiber Percentage
(mm)a
(%)b
QP2-84
1.5140 (0.3437) 0.0076 (0.0036)
21.14
(8.40)
LP2-86
1.5363 (0.4446) 0.0079 (0.0027)
38.42
(23.42)
TP-89
1.5805 (0.2800) 0.0079 (0.0066)
31.25
(15.32)
LP1-90
1.7044 (0.4849) 0.0057 (0.0011)
36.15
(16.57)
NP-93
1.3649 (0.1886) 0.0065 (0.0008)
30.42
(15.77)
MLP-93
1.6559 (0.3078) 0.0109 (0.0330)
33.38
(13.91)
QP1-94
1.9124 (0.4137) 0.0054 (0.0014)
30.70
(16.41)
AKP-94
1.5339 (0.1836) 0.0071 (0.0013)
31.58
(15.75)
MP-94
1.4240 (0.1732) 0.0058 (0.0006)
25.63
(10.84)
MP-96
1.4183 (0.2864) 0.0059 (0.0038)
27.37
(7.54)
PNOC-97 1.7630 (0.5716) 0.0062 (0.0014)
29.53
(12.29)
1.3778 (0.1155) 0.0077 (0.0045)
30.21
(13.00)
NP-97
ANOVA**
Fcom = 6.593
Fcom = 4.388
Fcom = 1.917
F tab = 1.802
F tab = 1.802
F tab = 1.831
Italized values inside parenthesis = standard deviation
** Significant at α = 0.05; Fcom = F computed; F tab = F tabulated
Cadiz in an annual reportt (1987). The individual sites
differ in elevation (10 masl–980 masl) and sunlight exposure
(20%–90.28%) representing a wide range of geographical
conditions. It appears that palasan canes grow in a wide
variety of environments corresponding to the observations of
Siebert (2005) in Indonesia. This is very promising to rattan
plantation developers because it would mean that palasan
plantations could be established anywhere in the country.
Fiber Characteristics
Fiber characteristics and distribution are important
structural traits because they influence cane density
(Bhat & Verghese 1991) and stiffness (Bhat & Thulasidas
1992). The samples gave varying fiber characteristics and
distribution (Table 2). Fiber length was shortest in NP-93
(Southern Negros) at 1.3649 mm while it was longest in
QP1-94 (Pagbilao, Quezon) at 1.9124 mm. The cell wall
was thickest in MLP-93 (Ormoc, Leyte) with 0.0109 mm
whereas it was thinnest in QP1-94 (Pagbilao, Quezon)
with 0.0054 mm. Fiber amount, on the other hand, was
minimal in QP2-84 (Pagbilao, Quezon) with 21.14%
and was abundant in LP2-86 (Daraga, Legaspi) with
38.42%. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that
the individual sites were significantly different from one
another in both fiber characteristics and distribution.
Physico-Mechanical
Specific gravity and cane stiffness determine the
acceptability of rattan canes for a particular end use
because these factors dictate the dimensional stability of
60
the material as well as its flexibility. Table 3 provides the
physico-mechanical attributes of the different samples.
Specific gravity was lowest in MP-96 (Southern Negros)
and PNOC-97 (Sorsogon) with 0.38 while it was highest
in QP2-84 (Pagbilao, Quezon) with 0.51. The data was
comparable with the specific gravity of Calamus manan in
Peninsular Malaysia (Sulaiman & Lim 1991). MOR was
smallest in QP1-94 (Pagbilao, Quezon) with 14.35 MPa
and was largest in NP-93 (Southern Negros) with 32.45
MPa. MOE was minimum in PNOC-97 (Sorsogon) with
3.23 GPa and was again maximum in NP-93 (Southern
Negros) with 6.37 GPa. Among the three characteristics
evaluated, only specific gravity varied significantly
between samples based on the ANOVA. MOR and MOE
of the samples were virtually the same for all the sites.
Table 3. Physico-mechanical properties of the individual rattan
samples.
Sample
Specific Gravitya
Modulus of Rupture Modulus of Elasticity
(MPa)b
(GPa)b
QP2-84
0.51
(0.15)
27.55
(3.62)
4.99
(1.08)
LP2-86
0.42
(0.21)
26.75
(12.30)
5.35
(2.78)
TP-89
0.47
(0.19)
27.62
(15.67)
4.46
(2.90)
LP1-90
0.46
(0.17)
25.13
(7.79)
4.76
(1.38)
NP-93
0.48
(0.15)
32.45
(11.58)
6.37
(2.11)
MPL-93
0.39
(0.13)
30.97
(16.82)
5.79
(3.45)
QP1-94
0.50
(0.12)
14.35
(3.31)
6.11
(2.39)
AKP-94
0.46
(0.15)
25.2
(11.43)
4.64
(2.77)
MP-94
0.47
(0.19)
28.38
(14.33)
4.56
(2.06)
MP-96
0.38
(0.14)
18.52
(7.06)
3.46
(1.69)
PNOC-97
0.38
(0.15)
18.85
(10.91)
3.23
(1.73)
NP-97
0.50
(0.16)
27.38
(14.31)
4.47
(2.16)
ANOVA**
Fcom = 3.572
Fcom = 1.291
Fcom = 1.034
F tab = 1.809
F tab = 1.952
F tab = 1.952
Note: a n = 60; b n = 6
Italized values in parenthesis = standard deviation
** Significant at α = 0.05; Fcom = F computed; F tab = F tabulated
Influence of Growth Rate on Stem Qualities
The influence of growth rate on the different cane
properties is depicted in Figure 4. Regression showed
that growth rate and fiber characteristics e.g., length and
cell wall thickness; were not correlated with r = 0.04 and
r = -0.07, respectively. Although these parameters differ
between sites, the findings showed that the rate at which
the plant grows has nothing to do with such discrepancy.
Only fiber distribution gave a moderate correlation with
growth rate (r = 0.53). As the growth rate was enhanced
a corresponding increased in fiber quantity was noticed.
Modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and specific
gravity were unaltered by growth rate. Irrespective of how
Philippine Journal of Science
Vol. 138 No. 1, June 2009
Abasolo & Lomboy: Influence of Growth Rate, Elevation
and Sunlight on Plantation-Grown Palasan Canes
a
.
1.8
Ovendried specific gravity
Fiber length (mm)
2
1.6
y = 1.557 + .006x
r = 0.04 ns
1.4
1.2
0.55
0.5
0.45
0.4
3
b.
4
y = 0.007 - .0001 x
r = - 0.07 ns
0.008
0.006
0.004
0.002
0
1
2
3
Growth rate (m/year)
c.
4
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)
40
35
y = 27.01 + 2.42 x
r = 0.53 **
30
25
20
0
1
2
3
Growth rate (m/year)
0.3
Modulus of Rupture (MPa)
2
Growth rate (m/year)
0.01
Fiber area percentage (%)
Cell wall thickness (mm)
1
4
y = 0.46 - 0.007 x
r = - 0.14 ns
0.35
1
0.012 0
d.
35
0
1
2
3
Growth rate (m/year)
4
e.
30
25
20
y = 25.46 - 0.14 x
r = - 0.02 ns
15
10
8
0
1
2
3
f.
Growth rate (m/year)
7
4
y = 5.22 - 0.26 x
r = - 0.27 ns
6
5
4
3
2
0
1
2
3
4
Growth rate (m/year)
Figure 4. Influence of growth on fiber length (a), cell wall thickness (b), fiber percentage (c), ovendried specific gravity (d), Modulus of Rupture
(e), Modulus of Elasticity (f). ns = not significant, ** = significant at α = 5%.
fast or how slow the growth of the palasan plants was,
the physico-mechanical attributes of the cane were not
significantly different. Fiber characteristics are directly
related to both physical and mechanical characteristics
of the cane (Bhat et al. 1990). It follows that when fiber
characteristics are unaffected, specific gravity and material
stiffness would also be unaltered by growth rate.
Influence of elevation and sunlight exposure on cane
properties
Figure 5 provides the impact of elevation on cane
properties. The elevation of the site did not show any
significant effect on the basic properties of the cane.
Normally, trees grown at higher altitudes or higher
elevations produce wood of lower specific gravity and
61
Abasolo & Lomboy: Influence of Growth Rate, Elevation
and Sunlight on Plantation-Grown Palasan Canes
1.8
1.6
1.4
y = 1.62 - .0001 x
r = - 0.20 ns
1.2
Cell wall thickness (mm)
1
0.012
0
200
400
600
800
1000
b.
Elevation (masl)
0.01
0.008
0.006
y = 0.006 + 2.37E-6 x
r = 0.45 **
0.004
0.002
Fiber percentage (%)
40
0
200
400
600
800
1000
c.
Elevation (masl)
35
30
y = 33.20 - 0.006 x
r = - 0.37**
25
20
0
200
400
600
800
1000
Elevation (masl)
0.55
d.
0.5
0.45
0.4
y = 0.45 - 2.1E-6 x
r = - 0.01 ns
0.35
Modulus of Rupture (MPa)
a.
0.3
35
0
200
400
600
800
Elevation (masl)
1000
e.
30
25
20
y = 23.34 + .004 x
r = 0.22 ns
15
10
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)
Fiber length (mm)
2
Ovendried specific gravity
Philippine Journal of Science
Vol. 138 No. 1, June 2009
8
0
200
400
600
800
f.
Elevation (masl)
y = 4.56 + 0.001 x
r = 0.19 ns
7
6
1000
5
4
3
2
0
200
400
600
800
1000
Elevation (masl)
Figure 5. Influence of elevation on fiber length (a), cell wall thickness (b), fiber percentage (c), ovendried specific gravity (d), Modulus of Rupture
(e), Modulus of Elasticity (f). ns = not significant, ** = significant at α = 5%.
shorter cells (Zobel & van Buijtenen 1989). However for
palasan canes such conditions were not detected. Except
for the moderate relationship of elevation to cell wall
thickness (r = 0.45) and fiber distribution (r = 0.37), the
rest of the properties were minimally affected.
62
Likewise, the amount of sunlight did not significantly
affect cane properties (Figure 6). Though sunlight
exposure enhances seedling growth as reported by
Dela Cruz (unpublished project report 1987) and stem
development (Manokaran 1985), it only has minor
Philippine Journal of Science
Vol. 138 No. 1, June 2009
Abasolo & Lomboy: Influence of Growth Rate, Elevation
and Sunlight on Plantation-Grown Palasan Canes
influence on the kind of cane produced by the plant. This
means that it would only have a significant impact on
the rattan plant during the establishment stage because
of its direct influence on the rosette/grass stage of the
plant. Thus based on the results, palasan plants that were
partially exposed to the sun produced the same type of
cane as a fully exposed individual.
a.
1.8
1.6
1.4
y = 1.62 - .0001 x
r = - 0.14 ns
Cell wall thickness (mm)
1
0
0.012
20
40
60
80
Amount of sunlight (%)
y = 0.007 -4.1E-6 x
r = 0.07 ns
0.01
0.008
0.006
0.004
0.002
Fiber percentage (%)
40
0
20
40
60
80
Amount of sunlight (%)
100
c.
35
30
y = 25.73 + 0.09 x
r = 0.51**
25
20
0
20
40
60
Amount of sunlight (%)
80
0.45
0.4
100
y = 0.49 - 0.001 x
r = - 0.44 **
0.35
0.3
100
b.
d.
0.5
Modulus of Rupture (MPa)
1.2
0.55
35
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa)
Fiber length (mm)
2
Generally, stem growth is achieved by the plant through
primary growth (growth in length) and secondary growth
(growth in diameter). The former is accomplished by
means of the apical meristems located at the tip of
Ovendried specific gravity
Impact of growth patterns on the quality of the stem
This was not the first study in which rattan canes were
shown to behave differently from trees. In 1999, Abasolo
et al. noted a contradicting growth stress pattern between
wood and rattan stems. Therefore, it was not surprising
if the influence of growth rate, elevation, and sunlight
exposure on the properties of rattan canes was again
different to that of wood.
8
0
20
40
60
80
Amount of sunlight (%)
30
100
e.
25
20
y = 25.06 + 0.004 x
r = 0.02 ns
15
10
0
20
40
60
80
Amount of sunlight (%)
7
100
f.
6
5
4
y = 5.4 - 0.01 x
r = -0.28 ns
3
2
0
20
40
60
80
100
Amount of sunlight (%)
Figure 6. Influence of amount of sunlight exposure on fiber length (a), cell wall thickness (b), fiber percentage (c), ovendried specific gravity (d),
Modulus of Rupture (e), Modulus of Elasticity (f). ns = not significant, ** = significant at α = 5%.
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Vol. 138 No. 1, June 2009
shoots (Ridge 2002) while the latter is attained via the
lateral meristems situated at the peripheral region of the
stem (Panshin & de Zeeuw 1978). Rattan stems lack
the necessary lateral meristems to undergo secondary
growth, thus, its stem is generated solely through
primary growth. Limited diameter growth could only
occur through ground parenchyma cell enlargement
(Tomlinson 1961). Trees, on the other hand, produce
their stem by means of both primary growth and
secondary growth.
Growth rate would only influence the primary growth of
the rattan stems particularly internodal elongation through
intercalary growth (Sinnott & Wilson 1963). While for
trees, both primary and secondary growth would be
simultaneously affected. The way in which growth rate
would influence these two types of stem development
would have a big impact on the overall quality of the
stem produced by these individual plants. For one, the two
meristems differ in the way they divide and the frequency
of division during growth (Zimmermann & Brown 1971).
This could bring forth variation in their interaction to
growth rate. However, this topic is beyond the scope of
the current report.
CONCLUSIONS
Growth rate did not significantly influence the
structural, physical and mechanical attributes of palasan
canes grown in plantations. Likewise, elevation and
amount of sunlight exposure have little influence on
cane properties. This means that site characteristics
would only have minimal effect on the kind of stem
produced by the palasan plant. It would only have a
big influence during the establishment period of the
plantation because of the direct impact on the rosette/
grass stage of the plant. However, after the internodal
elongation, it would only have minor impact on cane
quality. As pointed out by Tomlinson (1990), rattan
stems are incapable of undergoing secondary growth,
thus, the plant has no alternative but to produce an
overbuilt stem capable of withstanding future load
requirement. For this reason, growth rate, elevation and
amount of sunlight exposure would only have minimal
effect on stem quality.
Implication of the results
The present report was able to discover the relationships
between growth rates and stem quality of palasan
plants. It was able to show that growth rate did not
significantly influence the quality of the palasan stem
except for the fiber percentage. Similarly, it showed
64
Abasolo & Lomboy: Influence of Growth Rate, Elevation
and Sunlight on Plantation-Grown Palasan Canes
that elevation and sunlight exposure did not give any
significant interaction with most of the cane properties.
This means that it was highly possible that activities
aimed at hastening the growth rate of the plant, e.g.,
silvicultural treatments, would also have minimal effect
on the quality of its stem. Rattan plantation developers
could perform fertilization, thinning activities, etc.
to improve cane growth without worrying about any
negative impacts these treatments would have on the
quality of the cane produced by the plants. If the
quality of the cane was unaltered, its utilization would
not be affected.
RECOMMENDATION
The report was able to prove that palasan plants are ideal
plantation species because they grow in any kind of site
and their stems are minimally affected by varying site
conditions, e.g., elevation and sunlight exposure. This
means that the establishment of palasan plantation is a
good investment because it would not entail so much
risk in the part of the investors. As proven by a previous
article (Abasolo 2007), the qualities of plantation-grown
palasan canes are comparable with rattan canes growing
wild in the forest. Being such, rattan industries would have
no problem utilizing them, thus, palasan growers would
have a sure market for their products. Therefore, palasan
plantation establishment would not only be profitable, it
would also contribute to the conservation/preservation
of the remaining rattan stocks found in natural forests.
Thus, it is recommended that more palasan plantations
be established.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This study was funded by the International Foundation
for Science under research grant no. D/3499-1. The
authors also acknowledges the assistance of C. Dapla
and W. Palaypayon of the Deparment of Environment
and Natural Resources; and A. de Jesus, E. del Rosario
and M. Paje of the Philippine National Oil CompanyEnergy Development Corporation.
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