The Rattan Plant is a vine which grows in the Southeast Pacific region, particularly in Indonesia. It has a solid core, unlike bamboo, which is botanically a grass with a hollow core. Rattan poles are strong enough to be used for framing tables, chairs and sofas. When  heated and steamed, the poles become flexible enough to bend, forming graceful furniture shapes. The skin may be left on, showing its characteristic "marbleized" coloring and growing nodes. If the pole are peeled and sanded, the surface becomes pale and porous, suitable for staining and painting.