canes

Cane (pl. canes) denotes the hollow, jointed stems of several grasses and related plants. The term is most familiar for sugar cane (Saccharum spp.) and for canes used as walking sticks or mobility aids. It is also used for cane fibers employed in weaving and furniture caning.

Sugar cane is a tropical, perennial grass that grows tall and yields juice-rich stalks. After harvest, the juice is clarified and concentrated to produce sugar; molasses is a byproduct, and bagasse can be used for fuel or pulp. Major producers include Brazil, India, and China. Cultivation emphasizes stalk yield, stress tolerance, and disease resistance, while environmental considerations include water use and soil health.

Walking canes are mobility aids designed to provide support. They vary in materials (wood, aluminum, carbon fiber) and form, including standard canes, quad canes with four feet, and forearm canes. Proper height adjustment and fit are important to maximize stability and reduce the risk of falls. Some canes include ergonomic handles, wrist straps, or interchangeable tips for different surfaces.

In furniture and crafts, cane refers to woven fibers from rattan or other cane stalks used in caning chairs, baskets, and similar items. The term also appears in horticulture and botany as a general reference to cane-like stems across certain plant groups.