Rhapis multifida stem strength

[Matt in SD]

About 10 years ago I pruned several canes off of a Rhapis multifida.  I kept them, thinking they could maybe be used to make something.  They were incredibly stiff and strong, at least 10X stronger than bamboo, really unbelievable.  Anyways, these have been laying around, some inside, some outside unprotected for 10 years and they are, if anything, stronger and lighter than when I first cut them.  For the diameter and weight, I actually can't say that I've ever felt any material stronger, it's really incredible.  You can swing them full force at a brick wall or cement driveway and the ends don't show any damage at all.  At any length less than about 4 feet I cannot make them flex noticeably.  And neither I, nor my kids have ever managed to break a piece despite trying pretty hard.  I offered a piece to our rabbit last night to chew on and she couldn't even scratch it with her teeth and gave up.  Even after 10 years unprotected.  I've poked around online to see if Rhapis stems have been used for any sort of crafts or construction and can't find anything.  Has anyone else noticed this?  Are other Rhapis stems like this? 

Matt

[TexasColdHardyPalms]

interesting

[Missi]

This explains why my R. multifida (in ground) came through Hurricane Irma completely undamaged!

[Cindy Adair]

A friend in Puerto Rico thins her big clumps of R. excelsa for long lasting walking sticks. I can attest that they work very well.

R. multifida is a favorite of mine for sure! Just planted my two (which were amazing gifts from a palm nursery in Homestead) last week. 

[Kim]

I've never noticed this as none of my rhapis are tall yet and no cut canes have been lying around for ten years. 

sounds like the canes would make a good rabbit-proof fence, or pig fence, or even cow fence. Maybe you and your kids can come up with a more glamorous product and parlay rhapis canes into a small fortune!