Giant Thorny Bamboo

Bambusa bambos

Physical Characteristics

Bambusa bambos is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 30 m (98ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - southern China, Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Sap Seed Shoots Edible Uses: Drink Edible portion: Shoots, Seeds, Sap, Cereal. Young shoots - cooked[ 46 , 301 ]. They are often cooked in two changes of water to remove the bitterness[ 301 ]. The sugary sap is made into a drink[ 301 ]. Seed[ 301 ]. Chemical composition: Seeds per 100 g edible portion. Water 8 g, Protein 13.5 g, carbohydrates 73 g, fibre 1 g, fat 0.4 g, ash 1.7 g, calcium 87 mg, P 163 mg. Shoots per 100 g edible portion. Water 87-88 g, protein 3.9-4.4 g, fat 0.5 g, carbohydrates 5.5 g, fibre 1 g, ash 1 g, Ca 20-24 mg, P 40-65 mg, Fe 0.1-0.4 mg Vit A 76 IU, Vit B1 0.16 mg, Vit B2 0.05 mg Vit C 0.3-0.5 mg The energy value is about 185 kJ/100g. Young shoots contain HCN so should be cooked.

Medicinal Uses

Antibilious Antispasmodic Aphrodisiac Astringent Digestive Emmenagogue Skin Stomachic The plant contains high levels of silica and is used in many ways in Ayurvedic medicine[ 254 ]. The root is astringent and cooling[ 254 ]. It is used to treat joint pain and general debility[ 254 ]. The leaves are antispasmodic and emmenagogue[ 254 ]. They are taken internally to stimulate menstruation and to help relieve period pain[ 254 ]. They are also taken to tone and strengthen stomach function; to expel worms; and have the reputation of being aphrodisiac[ 254 ]. The young sprouts, harvested as they emerge from below soil level, are taken internally to relieve nausea, indigestion and wind[ 254 ]. They are applied externally as a poultice to help drain infected wounds[ 254 ]. The juice of the plant is rich in silica and is taken internally to aid in the strengthening of cartilage in conditions such as osteoarthritis and osteoporosis[ 254 ].

Known Hazards

Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling