What is "rattans"

Usage examples of "rattans".

I was not reassured when I noticed that some of the serpentine rattans were swaying sluggishly toward the time-sphere, and that one of them had already reached it and was creeping along the wall with tiny tendrils that ended in suction-cups.

If the bos'n's mates could not get the men moving fast enough without hitting them across the shoulders with rattans the fault was more likely to be with the bos'n's mates - or even the captain - for not having a properly trained and willing ship's company.