Common Name:

General Information

Bambusa nutans is an evergreen, clump-forming bamboo with fairly thick-walled, erect, woody stems reaching a height of 6 - 15 metres, with some reports saying they can reach 23 metres. The stems are 4 - 10cm in diameter, with internodes 35 - 45cm long[, , ].
One of the six main species commonly used in the Indian paper industry, it is widely cultivated as a source of materials in India, Bangladesh and Thailand[]. A graceful bamboo, it is worth growing as an ornamental[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand.

Habitat

Moist hill slopes and flat uplands in well-drained sandy loam to clayey loam soils at elevations from 700 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	12.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,600 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 22 - 28°c, but can tolerate 9 - 32°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 2,300 - 3,000mm, but tolerates 700 - 4,500mm[].
Succeeds in full sun and in dappled shade[]. Grows best in a fertile, heavy soil[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, tolerating 5.5 - 7.5[].
Bamboos have an interesting method of growth. Each plant produces a number of new stems annually - these stems grow to their maximum height in their first year of growth, subsequent growth in the stem being limited to the production of new side branches and leaves. In the case of some mature tropical species the new stem could be as much as 30 metres tall, with daily increases in height of 30cm or more during their peak growth time. This makes them some of the fastest-growing species in the world[].
Bamboos in general are usually monocarpic, living for many years before flowering, then flowering and seeding profusely for a period of 1 - 3 years before usually dying.

Edible Uses

Shoots - cooked[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is sometimes used to provide shelter for tea plantations[].

Other Uses

The culm is good, strong, straight. Highly prized for construction[]. It is used locally for various purposes, mainly as poles[]. They can also be used for weaving rough baskets and mats[].
The culms a major source of fibre for the paper industry in India[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in containers as soon as it is ripe, preferably at a temperature around 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Prick out the seedlings into containers when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a lightly shaded place until large enough to plant out. Plants only flower at intervals of many years and so seed is rarely available.
Division as new growth commences[]. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more[].
Plants can be propagated vegetatively by rhizome, culm and branch cuttings. The propagules are raised in a nursery and after they have produced roots and developed rhizomes they are planted out in the field during the rainy season in pits filled with a mixture of compost and soil[].

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