Common Name: Giant Bamboo

General Information

Giant bamboo is an evergreen, clump-forming bamboo. Probably the tallest bamboo in the world, its erect, woody culms can grow up to 30 metres tall with an arching tip. The thick-walled culms can be 18 - 25cm in diameter near the base[, ].
The plant is cultivated on a small scale, especially in tropical Asia, for its stems which have a wide range of uses[]. As one of the largest bamboo species, it also has a high ornamental value[].
This species has a wide distribution range and with no major threats to the species at present the population is believed to be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Myanmar, Thailand.

Habitat

Forests in humid tropical highlands, at elevations up to 1,200 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	30.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the humid tropics and subtropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,000 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 27°c, but can tolerate 15 - 34°c[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,800 - 3,600mm, but tolerates 1,200 - 4,500mm[].
Succeeds in full sun or in light shade[]. Prefers a rich, alluvial soil[]. Succeeds in most soils of at lest moderate fertility[]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 4.5 - 7.5[].
Offsets consisting of young shoots with small portions of attached rhizome produce small culms in the first year[]. Subsequent culms increase in size each consecutive year until, after 7 years, they have attained a girth of about 25 cm and a height of about 12 metres[]. They are then harvested. However, culms only attain full size ultimately at an age of 15 - 16 years[].
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[].
At first, the growth of an individual young shoot is very slow, quickening gradually during a period of 4 - 6 weeks until the culm is about 4 metres tall. Then maximum growth is attained and maintained for several weeks (e.g. On average, 32 cm per day), after which growth gradually decreases until it stops when full height is attained at the age of 3.5 months[]. Rapid growth seems to be induced by high relative humidity, irrespective of light and temperature, causing a high turgescence in the culm[].
Competition between culms in a clump may cause 'abortive shoots', affecting about 50% of all new shoots. Young abortion-prone shoots usually grow within 20 cm from a culm, attaining about 13 cm height before dying. Such young shoots are suitable for vegetable use[].
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. This species is reputed to have a cycle of around 40 years between major flowerings, though it has been recorded as ranging from 29 - 76 years. It has also been reported that clumps can survive after flowering[, ].

Edible Uses

The young shoots are edible[]. Creamy and tender when cooked, though they are not widely consumed[]. They have a fair canning quality[].

Medicinal

The siliceous secretion of the culm is considered aphrodisiac and tonic[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Can be planted to protect the soil against erosion[].

Other Uses

The large culm sheaths are used to make hats[].

Strips of the canes are used for weaving mats and baskets[].

The large culms are used for many purposes, including construction, scaffolding and rural housing, water pipes, buckets, boat masts, matting, woven wares and paper production[, ]. The thick-walled culms are especially good for the production of bamboo boards, which are ideal material for room decoration and other practical interior applications such as walls, ceilings, floors, doors, shelves, etc[].
Harvesting may start 3 - 4 years after a clump has begun to produce culms of maximum size. Only culms older than 3 years are harvestable and harvesting should never be done during the growing season. It is recommended to cut the culms lower than 30cm above the ground level, but not below the 2nd node. Debris and cut branches should always be removed completely[].

Propagation

Seed - seldom available because the plant only flowers at intervals of many years. When it is available, sow the seed in containers in a lightly shaded position and only just cover. Germination usually takes place readily. Prick out into individual pots as soon as the plants are large enough to handle. Plant out into permanent positions when 20cm tall. Plants may remain in their low-growing juvenile state for several years - cutting the culms to the ground level can stimulate taller adult growth[].
Normally propagated by clump division[].
Propagation by culm and branch cuttings is possible, although difficult[]. Artificial ifiduction of roots before taking the cuttings is possible and reasonably successful[].

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