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Miscanthus sinensis Anders. © Flora of China

Identification

Fibre type	Stem, straw
Average fibre lenght	2mm
Average fibre width	20µm
Fibre ends	Pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Strong.
Associated cells	Epidermal cells present Pitted vessel elements and parenchyma cells
Special features
Herzberg staining	Blue
Graff 'C' staining	Blue

Botanical classification

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Erianthus japonicus (Trin.) P. Beauv.

Eulalia japonica Trin.

Eulalia japonica Trin. ex Steud.

Eulalia japonica var. gracillima (Hitchc.) Grier

Miscanthus japonicus (Trin.) Andersson

Miscanthus japonicus Andersson

Miscanthus condensatus Hack.

Miscanthus kanehirae Honda

Miscanthus purpurascens Andersson

Miscanthus sinensis fo. gracillimus (Hitchc.) Ohwi

Miscanthus sinensis fo. sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis fo. variegatus (Beal) Beetle

Miscanthus sinensis subsp. purpurascens (Andersson) Tzvelev

Miscanthus sinensis var. gracillimus Hitchc.

Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (Andersson) Matsum.

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus (Hack.) Makino

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Hayata

Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus Beal

Miscanthus sinensis var. zebrinus Beal

Ripidium japonicum (Trin.) Trin.

Saccharum japonicum Thunb.

Saccharum japonicum Houtt.

Xiphagrostis japonicus (Trin.) Coville

Plant growing area

There are 14 species of Miscanthus, mostly located in South Asia and the Pacific Islands; two species are endemic to China.

China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan, Korea, Taiwan.

Grows on mountain slopes, on the coasts, below 2000 m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Japan, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Herbaceous perennial plant forming dense clumps from underground rhizomes, at height of 0,80m to 4 m. The culms are topped by feathery silver spikes. It has a rapid growth, it adapts to various types of soils and is resistant to wind and spray. Flowering occurs in late summer.

Japan:

In Japan, the plant is used as thatching for traditional Japanese farmhouses.

In papermaking, it is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

It is also used as fibers mixed with gampi or other fibers to make gasenshi.

After World War II, a papermaker named Shusaku Tomi, on the Noto peninsula (Ishikawa Prefecture), tried again to make paper with these fibers.

Korea:

From the Joseon period (1392-1910), raw materials traditionally used for paper production, mainly bark of Broussonetias begin to fail. Papermakers face to a growing demand for paper stimulated by the development of publications initiated during the Goryeo period (907-1392). Other plants will be used to provide a fiber supplement such as wisteria, rice, oat and barley straws, bamboo, jute, cotton and hemp but also willow leaves, reeds, the bark and needles of pine.
Indeed miscanthus sinensis seems to be used as a complementary fiber source to fibers of paper mulberry from the 15th century.

However, this reed is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

Paper names

In Asia and particularly in China, Korea and Japan, the papers are intended for a wide range of use: Papers for calligraphy and art, Papers for ceremonies, Paper as a medium of exchange, money paper, Papers for making clothes, wall hangings and bedding, Papers for architecture, interior design, Papers for crafts of various kinds, for domestic purposes and leisure. The names assigned to the paper refers to different notions: The material used, The place of production, The method of production, Appearance, Dimensions, Use, The name of an artist or a studio etc.

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

English

Identification

Fibre type	Stem, straw
Average fibre lenght	2mm
Average fibre width	20µm
Fibre ends	Pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Strong.
Associated cells	Epidermal cells present Pitted vessel elements and parenchyma cells
Special features
Herzberg staining	Blue
Graff 'C' staining	Blue

Botanical classification

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Erianthus japonicus (Trin.) P. Beauv.

Eulalia japonica Trin.

Eulalia japonica Trin. ex Steud.

Eulalia japonica var. gracillima (Hitchc.) Grier

Miscanthus japonicus (Trin.) Andersson

Miscanthus japonicus Andersson

Miscanthus condensatus Hack.

Miscanthus kanehirae Honda

Miscanthus purpurascens Andersson

Miscanthus sinensis fo. gracillimus (Hitchc.) Ohwi

Miscanthus sinensis fo. sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis fo. variegatus (Beal) Beetle

Miscanthus sinensis subsp. purpurascens (Andersson) Tzvelev

Miscanthus sinensis var. gracillimus Hitchc.

Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (Andersson) Matsum.

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus (Hack.) Makino

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Hayata

Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus Beal

Miscanthus sinensis var. zebrinus Beal

Ripidium japonicum (Trin.) Trin.

Saccharum japonicum Thunb.

Saccharum japonicum Houtt.

Xiphagrostis japonicus (Trin.) Coville

Plant growing area

There are 14 species of Miscanthus, mostly located in South Asia and the Pacific Islands; two species are endemic to China.

China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan, Korea, Taiwan.

Grows on mountain slopes, on the coasts, below 2000 m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Japan, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Japan:

In Japan, the plant is used as thatching for traditional Japanese farmhouses.

In papermaking, it is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

It is also used as fibers mixed with gampi or other fibers to make gasenshi.

After World War II, a papermaker named Shusaku Tomi, on the Noto peninsula (Ishikawa Prefecture), tried again to make paper with these fibers.

Korea:

However, this reed is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

Paper names

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

French

Identification

Fibre type	Stem, straw
Average fibre lenght	2mm
Average fibre width	20µm
Fibre ends	Pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Strong.
Associated cells	Epidermal cells present Pitted vessel elements and parenchyma cells
Special features
Herzberg staining	Blue
Graff 'C' staining	Blue

Botanical classification

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Erianthus japonicus (Trin.) P. Beauv.

Eulalia japonica Trin.

Eulalia japonica Trin. ex Steud.

Eulalia japonica var. gracillima (Hitchc.) Grier

Miscanthus japonicus (Trin.) Andersson

Miscanthus japonicus Andersson

Miscanthus condensatus Hack.

Miscanthus kanehirae Honda

Miscanthus purpurascens Andersson

Miscanthus sinensis fo. gracillimus (Hitchc.) Ohwi

Miscanthus sinensis fo. sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis fo. variegatus (Beal) Beetle

Miscanthus sinensis subsp. purpurascens (Andersson) Tzvelev

Miscanthus sinensis var. gracillimus Hitchc.

Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (Andersson) Matsum.

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus (Hack.) Makino

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Hayata

Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus Beal

Miscanthus sinensis var. zebrinus Beal

Ripidium japonicum (Trin.) Trin.

Saccharum japonicum Thunb.

Saccharum japonicum Houtt.

Xiphagrostis japonicus (Trin.) Coville

Plant growing area

There are 14 species of Miscanthus, mostly located in South Asia and the Pacific Islands; two species are endemic to China.

China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan, Korea, Taiwan.

Grows on mountain slopes, on the coasts, below 2000 m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Japan, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Japan:

In Japan, the plant is used as thatching for traditional Japanese farmhouses.

In papermaking, it is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

It is also used as fibers mixed with gampi or other fibers to make gasenshi.

After World War II, a papermaker named Shusaku Tomi, on the Noto peninsula (Ishikawa Prefecture), tried again to make paper with these fibers.

Korea:

However, this reed is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

Paper names

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

English

Identification

Fibre type	Stem, straw
Average fibre lenght	2mm
Average fibre width	20µm
Fibre ends	Pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Strong.
Associated cells	Epidermal cells present Pitted vessel elements and parenchyma cells
Special features
Herzberg staining	Blue
Graff 'C' staining	Blue

Botanical classification

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Erianthus japonicus (Trin.) P. Beauv.

Eulalia japonica Trin.

Eulalia japonica Trin. ex Steud.

Eulalia japonica var. gracillima (Hitchc.) Grier

Miscanthus japonicus (Trin.) Andersson

Miscanthus japonicus Andersson

Miscanthus condensatus Hack.

Miscanthus kanehirae Honda

Miscanthus purpurascens Andersson

Miscanthus sinensis fo. gracillimus (Hitchc.) Ohwi

Miscanthus sinensis fo. sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis fo. variegatus (Beal) Beetle

Miscanthus sinensis subsp. purpurascens (Andersson) Tzvelev

Miscanthus sinensis var. gracillimus Hitchc.

Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (Andersson) Matsum.

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus (Hack.) Makino

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Hayata

Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus Beal

Miscanthus sinensis var. zebrinus Beal

Ripidium japonicum (Trin.) Trin.

Saccharum japonicum Thunb.

Saccharum japonicum Houtt.

Xiphagrostis japonicus (Trin.) Coville

Plant growing area

There are 14 species of Miscanthus, mostly located in South Asia and the Pacific Islands; two species are endemic to China.

China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan, Korea, Taiwan.

Grows on mountain slopes, on the coasts, below 2000 m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Japan, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Japan:

In Japan, the plant is used as thatching for traditional Japanese farmhouses.

In papermaking, it is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

It is also used as fibers mixed with gampi or other fibers to make gasenshi.

After World War II, a papermaker named Shusaku Tomi, on the Noto peninsula (Ishikawa Prefecture), tried again to make paper with these fibers.

Korea:

However, this reed is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

Paper names

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

English

Identification

Fibre type	Stem, straw
Average fibre lenght	2mm
Average fibre width	20µm
Fibre ends	Pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Strong.
Associated cells	Epidermal cells present Pitted vessel elements and parenchyma cells
Special features
Herzberg staining	Blue
Graff 'C' staining	Blue

Botanical classification

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Erianthus japonicus (Trin.) P. Beauv.

Eulalia japonica Trin.

Eulalia japonica Trin. ex Steud.

Eulalia japonica var. gracillima (Hitchc.) Grier

Miscanthus japonicus (Trin.) Andersson

Miscanthus japonicus Andersson

Miscanthus condensatus Hack.

Miscanthus kanehirae Honda

Miscanthus purpurascens Andersson

Miscanthus sinensis fo. gracillimus (Hitchc.) Ohwi

Miscanthus sinensis fo. sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis fo. variegatus (Beal) Beetle

Miscanthus sinensis subsp. purpurascens (Andersson) Tzvelev

Miscanthus sinensis var. gracillimus Hitchc.

Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (Andersson) Matsum.

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus (Hack.) Makino

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Hayata

Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus Beal

Miscanthus sinensis var. zebrinus Beal

Ripidium japonicum (Trin.) Trin.

Saccharum japonicum Thunb.

Saccharum japonicum Houtt.

Xiphagrostis japonicus (Trin.) Coville

Plant growing area

There are 14 species of Miscanthus, mostly located in South Asia and the Pacific Islands; two species are endemic to China.

China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan, Korea, Taiwan.

Grows on mountain slopes, on the coasts, below 2000 m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Japan, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Japan:

In Japan, the plant is used as thatching for traditional Japanese farmhouses.

In papermaking, it is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

It is also used as fibers mixed with gampi or other fibers to make gasenshi.

After World War II, a papermaker named Shusaku Tomi, on the Noto peninsula (Ishikawa Prefecture), tried again to make paper with these fibers.

Korea:

However, this reed is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

Paper names

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

English

Identification

Fibre type	Stem, straw
Average fibre lenght	2mm
Average fibre width	20µm
Fibre ends	Pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Strong.
Associated cells	Epidermal cells present Pitted vessel elements and parenchyma cells
Special features
Herzberg staining	Blue
Graff 'C' staining	Blue

Botanical classification

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Erianthus japonicus (Trin.) P. Beauv.

Eulalia japonica Trin.

Eulalia japonica Trin. ex Steud.

Eulalia japonica var. gracillima (Hitchc.) Grier

Miscanthus japonicus (Trin.) Andersson

Miscanthus japonicus Andersson

Miscanthus condensatus Hack.

Miscanthus kanehirae Honda

Miscanthus purpurascens Andersson

Miscanthus sinensis fo. gracillimus (Hitchc.) Ohwi

Miscanthus sinensis fo. sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis fo. variegatus (Beal) Beetle

Miscanthus sinensis subsp. purpurascens (Andersson) Tzvelev

Miscanthus sinensis var. gracillimus Hitchc.

Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (Andersson) Matsum.

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus (Hack.) Makino

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Hayata

Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus Beal

Miscanthus sinensis var. zebrinus Beal

Ripidium japonicum (Trin.) Trin.

Saccharum japonicum Thunb.

Saccharum japonicum Houtt.

Xiphagrostis japonicus (Trin.) Coville

Plant growing area

There are 14 species of Miscanthus, mostly located in South Asia and the Pacific Islands; two species are endemic to China.

China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan, Korea, Taiwan.

Grows on mountain slopes, on the coasts, below 2000 m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Japan, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Japan:

In Japan, the plant is used as thatching for traditional Japanese farmhouses.

In papermaking, it is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

It is also used as fibers mixed with gampi or other fibers to make gasenshi.

After World War II, a papermaker named Shusaku Tomi, on the Noto peninsula (Ishikawa Prefecture), tried again to make paper with these fibers.

Korea:

However, this reed is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

Paper names

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

French

Identification

Fibre type	Stem, straw
Average fibre lenght	2mm
Average fibre width	20µm
Fibre ends	Pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Strong.
Associated cells	Epidermal cells present Pitted vessel elements and parenchyma cells
Special features
Herzberg staining	Blue
Graff 'C' staining	Blue

Botanical classification

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Erianthus japonicus (Trin.) P. Beauv.

Eulalia japonica Trin.

Eulalia japonica Trin. ex Steud.

Eulalia japonica var. gracillima (Hitchc.) Grier

Miscanthus japonicus (Trin.) Andersson

Miscanthus japonicus Andersson

Miscanthus condensatus Hack.

Miscanthus kanehirae Honda

Miscanthus purpurascens Andersson

Miscanthus sinensis fo. gracillimus (Hitchc.) Ohwi

Miscanthus sinensis fo. sinensis

Miscanthus sinensis fo. variegatus (Beal) Beetle

Miscanthus sinensis subsp. purpurascens (Andersson) Tzvelev

Miscanthus sinensis var. gracillimus Hitchc.

Miscanthus sinensis var. purpurascens (Andersson) Matsum.

Miscanthus sinensis var. condensatus (Hack.) Makino

Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Hayata

Miscanthus sinensis var. variegatus Beal

Miscanthus sinensis var. zebrinus Beal

Ripidium japonicum (Trin.) Trin.

Saccharum japonicum Thunb.

Saccharum japonicum Houtt.

Xiphagrostis japonicus (Trin.) Coville

Plant growing area

There are 14 species of Miscanthus, mostly located in South Asia and the Pacific Islands; two species are endemic to China.

China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Hubei, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan, Korea, Taiwan.

Grows on mountain slopes, on the coasts, below 2000 m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Japan, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Japan:

In Japan, the plant is used as thatching for traditional Japanese farmhouses.

In papermaking, it is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

It is also used as fibers mixed with gampi or other fibers to make gasenshi.

After World War II, a papermaker named Shusaku Tomi, on the Noto peninsula (Ishikawa Prefecture), tried again to make paper with these fibers.

Korea:

However, this reed is mainly used to make the movable screen of the paper mould. Its smooth surface leaves no mark.

Paper names

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Identification

Fibre type	Wood fibers
Average fibre lenght	1,5 mm (0.7 – 1.8)
Average fibre width	16,5 µm (8.4 – 21)
Fibre ends	Blunt.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	No cross-marking.
Associated cells
Special features	Less prominent fiber wall.
Herzberg staining	Dark purple
Graff 'C' staining	Yellow

Botanical classification

Salix purpurea L.

Order:

Malpighiales

Family:

Salicaceae

Synonyms:

Salix caesifolia Drobow

Plant growing area

Native to most of European and western Asia countries.

Grows along rivers in sandy soils.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Japan, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Salix purpurea is a deciduous small tree growing to 1-2 m and rarely to 6 m tall.Bloom ing occurs before the leaves, from March to April.

The bark and buds have medicinal properties especially antipyretic and analgesic. The use of Salix purpurea as dying and medicinal materials is very ancient in Egypt and in northern Europe.

The bark contains chalcones and leaves, flavonols and condensed tannins, and their extracts are used in the dyeing of fabrics in grey-black.

The shoots called withies are used in basketry.

Japan:

It is used for dyeing.

Korea:

From the Joseon period (1392-1910), raw materials traditionally used for paper production, mainly bark of Broussonetias begin to fail. Papermakers face a growing demand for paper stimulated by the development of publications initiated during the Goryeo period (907-1392). Other plants will be used to provide a fiber supplement such as wisteria, rice, oat and barley straws, bamboo, jute and hemp but also reeds, the bark and needles of pine, the leaves of willow. Indeed, the willow leaves seem to be used as a complementary fiber source to fibers of paper mulberry from the 15th century.
It is used also for handicrafts objects.

Preparation process for making paper

Japan:

Preparation for dyeing: trees that have at least 4 to 8 years are harvested in the spring. The branches are peeled, crushed into powder or chipped and are steeped in a small volume of water for several days. Water is added to obtain the necessary amount for the dyeing bath and gradually heated until boiling for 2 to 3 hours. The dye is filtered before use.

Dyeing of papers is performed in two ways: pulp dyeing (sukizome) or sheet dyeing (hitashizome by dipping or hikizome by brushing).

To dye paper by soaking, the sheets are plucked one by one between two wooden sticks by their small side. This will keep the sheet flat during soaking.

Usually three jars of dye are prepared with decreasing concentrations. The paper is dipped in the less concentrated dye jar and oxidation occurs in the air; the paper is then soaked in the little bit more concentrated dye. After oxidation, the sheet is dipped into the third jar with the strongest concentration. The process can be repeated several times to obtain a color more or less intense. The sheet is dried by exposing the surface to air; the color changes by oxidation.

Paper names

Korea:

Suffix ji = paper.

In Korea papers made with paper mulberry bark are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Bark

Leaf

Twigs

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Dye

Formation aid

Identification

Fibre type
Average fibre lenght	12-40μm
Average fibre width
Fibre ends
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Fine diagonal striations.
Associated cells	Parenchymal cells of various shapes.
Special features	The fiber has a uniform thickness. The fibers are short compared to bast fibers.
Herzberg staining
Graff 'C' staining

Botanical classification

Calamus rotang L.

Order:

Arecales

Family:

Arecaceae

Synonyms:

Rotang linnaei (L.) Baill.

Rotanga calamus (L.) Crantz

Plant growing area

Native to tropical Asia (Southeast Asia) where it grows everywhere.

China (Sichuan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi).

Grows in rain forests.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China.

Plant cultivation and use

Calamus rattan is a rhizomatous, climbing palm, up to 20m high. Stipe or false trunk is long and thin, pinnate leaves are 60 to 80 cm long and are regularly arranged along the stem. The foliage is evergreen.

The white flowers are grouped in inflorescences. Fruits are rounded, and covered with reddish-brown scales; they exude a red resin called "dragon's blood" in traditional medicine, which has astringent properties. The fruits are edible. The sap of the plant is used for preparing a beverage.

Rotang palm prefers drained soils, adapts to exposure from shade to sun, but is very sensitive to low temperatures.

The stem provides rattan, flexible material widely used throughout Southeast Asia for the manufacture of furniture and basketry. The trunk fibers are also used for the manufacture of mats, ropes.

China:

Rattan has been used to make paper in several parts of China, especially in the southeast (Zhejiang, Jiangxi) for almost 1000 years. Also it has been used in Sichuan, but to a lesser extent compared to the production of Southeast.

Many Dunhuang yellow manuscripts were identified as rattan paper. Papermaking with rattan fibers starts in the 3rd century in Shanji (former Zhengxian - Zhejiang) where the rattan was planted through hundreds of miles in the mountains, along the river Shanji. This paper is called Shandeng.

This is the most popular paper during the Tang dynasty (618-907); its production is no longer confined to Shanji, but is also found in the neighboring districts of the Zhejiang and Jiangxij provinces.

Various official documents relate in the early 8th century that the paper is sent as a tribute.

The Administrative Code specifies that the white rattan paper should be used for requisition and punishment decrees, blue paper for offering messages in the Taoist temple in Daijingong, yellow paper for imperial orders.

The paper is described as smooth and durable, of various colors. It is used for calligraphy, and making books. It has also been used for making tea bags since its firm and relatively tight texture can well preserve the flavors.

Rattan running out in Shanji, operations moved from West to East Zhejiang during the Song Dynasty (960-1279). But gradually the resource is exhausted because the rattan is not cultivated. Its death is also linked to the increased use of bamboo as a raw material in the manufacture of paper, which replaces it as well as hemp. Indeed bamboo became the first paper material in the middle of the Tang dynasty.

Paper names

China:

Suffixes zhi or chih = paper.
In China, unlike Korea and Japan, papers made with paper mulberry fibers are not prominent, the production of paper from bamboo fiber being the most important.

Used part of the plant:

Leaf

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

English

Identification

Fibre type
Average fibre lenght	12-40μm
Average fibre width
Fibre ends
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Fine diagonal striations.
Associated cells	Parenchymal cells of various shapes.
Special features	The fiber has a uniform thickness. The fibers are short compared to bast fibers.
Herzberg staining
Graff 'C' staining

Botanical classification

Calamus rotang L.

Order:

Arecales

Family:

Arecaceae

Synonyms:

Rotang linnaei (L.) Baill.

Rotanga calamus (L.) Crantz

Plant growing area

Native to tropical Asia (Southeast Asia) where it grows everywhere.

China (Sichuan, Zhejiang, Jiangxi).

Grows in rain forests.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China.

Plant cultivation and use

Rotang palm prefers drained soils, adapts to exposure from shade to sun, but is very sensitive to low temperatures.

The stem provides rattan, flexible material widely used throughout Southeast Asia for the manufacture of furniture and basketry. The trunk fibers are also used for the manufacture of mats, ropes.

China:

Various official documents relate in the early 8th century that the paper is sent as a tribute.

Paper names

China:

Used part of the plant:

Leaf

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Primary tabs

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Salix purpurea L.

Calamus rotang L.

Calamus rotang L.

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Primary tabs

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Miscanthus sinensis Anders.

Salix purpurea L.

Calamus rotang L.

Calamus rotang L.

Pages