Giant Bamboo, Dragon bamboo, Sweet bamboo

Dendrocalamus asper

Physical Characteristics

Dendrocalamus asper is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 15 m (49ft) by 5 m (16ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. The plant is self-fertile. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), 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 cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Africa - Madagascar; Southeast Asia - China, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young stems - cooked. Free of bitterness[ 310 ]. Harvested before they emerge from the soil, they are tender and sweet[ 301 , 310 ]. They are used as a vegetable, pickled or preserved[ 301 ]. They can be cut into strips and used as a substitute for macaroni in soups[ 301 ]. The edible portion of young shoots is about 34%; they weigh on average 5.4 kilos before peeling and 1.8 kilos after peeling[ 299 ].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known