Rattan is a strong yet lightweight and flexible material made from the rattan plant’s stem. It can be used both whole and split into thinner materials that are braided into things like furniture and baskets. Rattan belongs to the palm family and climbs along trees, though no trees are required to be felled when the rattan cane is harvested. Since it is a natural material and the products are often handmade by skilled craftspeople, each object gets a completely unique look.