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destruction to the fibres, and will do almost anything’ 
asked of it. There is practically no limit to its uses. 
It is washed in sand, mixed with other canes, and 
sold under the name of Rotan Barang, scarcity being 
given as the reason for not putting it in a class of 
its own with Rotans Bujang and Kembong. 
8. Rotan Kertas. 
Calamus sp. 
This medium-sized rattan is not plentiful but 
widely distributed and prefers the foothills. A single 
plant has as many as 30 stems, some of which reach 
a length of about 250 feet. The name Kertas refers 
to the papery nature of the leaves, and the stem 
also has a papery fibrous covering. This covering 
material is removed by the collector, leaving a pale 
yellow, smooth, waxy surface. It is customary to 
lunti this form. Internodes 8 to 28 inches in length 
and up to % inch in diameter; nodes not much 
thicker than the internodes and the quality is quite 
uniform. Flagellum from the leaf -sheath, 31/2 to 
61/2 feet- long. Leaf-sheath greenish grey, without 
spines, or with small spines. Leaf 1 foot 9 inches 
to 2 feet 6 inches long; leaflet's 7 to 9 pairs, 7 to 9 
inches long and 1 to 3% inches wide. Cane of good 
quality, strong but not hard. Used whole, split, and 
occasionally “ drawn.” Whole, a single strand is 
used as a buffalo tie, also for securing beams and 
general building purposes. Splits well with care 
and into fairly long lengths, and is used for tying 
purposes, baskets, fishing traps, furniture making, 
etc. An excellent cane which should do well in a 
class by itself. Washed in sand, and marketed 
under the name of “ Rotan Barang.” 
