INBAR Working Paper- Technical Paper -Exotic Bamboo Species in Kenya: Identification and Assessment

Full text

INBAR Working Paper
Technical Paper
Muralidharan Enarth Maviton1, Gordon Sigu2, Magrate Kaigongi2, Nellie Oduor3,
Robert Sunya3, Selim Reza3, Durai Jayaraman3
2023
1 Independent Consultant
2 Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Kenya
3 International Bamboo and Rattan Organization
Exotic Bamboo Species in Kenya:
Identification and Assessment

International Bamboo and Rattan Organization 2023
This publication is licensed for use under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-
ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0). To view this license, visit:
http://creativecommons.org/licences/by-nc-sa/3.0/
About the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization
The International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR) is an intergovernmental
organization dedicated to the promotion of bamboo and rattan for sustainable development.
For more information, please visit: www.inbar.int.
About this Working Paper
This work is an INBAR publication produced as part of the Dutch-Sino East Africa Bamboo
Development Programme: Phase II funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the
Chinese government. Dutch-Sino East Africa Bamboo Development Programme-II is a
triangular South-South Cooperation to support livelihood development, food security, and
better environmental management by developing robust bamboo value chains and a
sustainable bamboo industry in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda.
https://www.inbar.int/project/sino-east-africa-bamboo-development-programme-phase-ii/
International Bamboo and Rattan Organization
P.O. Box 100102-86, Beijing 100102, China
Tel: +86 10 64706161; Fax: +86 10 6470 2166
Email: info@inbar.int
© 2023 International Bamboo and Rattan Organization (INBAR)
www.inbar.int

INBAR Working Paper
1
Foreword
The two species that make up the native bamboo resources of Kenya are underutilized and
limited to traditional applications, such as rural buildings, handicrafts, and household products.
As a versatile, environmentally friendly, rapidly renewable, and sustainable alternative to
timber, bamboo has established its credentials in many countries around the world. Several
exotic bamboo species have been introduced in the past into Kenya but bamboo’s potential
as a means of generating employment and contributing to the economy and environment was
largely ignored until recently. The country has an insignificant share of the global trade in
bamboo. However, the private sector in the country has shown a surge of interest in bamboo-
based enterprises that promises an increasing role for the bamboo sector in the Kenyan
economy. In recent years, it has been globally recognized that bamboo could contribute
directly to at least seven of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 1 (No
poverty), SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 11 (Sustainable cities and communities),
SDG 12 (Sustainable consumption and production), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life
on land), and SDG 17 South–South cooperation). The potential of bamboo as a tool for climate
change mitigation efforts and benefits through carbon credits is also widely recognized.
Since the 1980s, several exotic species of bamboo have been introduced into Kenya, and
several agencies, including the Kenya Forestry Research Institute, have conducted trials in
various regions. The scientific capability related to bamboo taxonomy and identification of
exotic species, their phenological characteristics, origins of planting materials, and potential
uses is limited in Kenya. The Dutch–Sino East Africa Bamboo Development Programme:
Phase II of INBAR, initiated in 2017 in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Uganda, has pursued the objective
of transferring the knowledge gained from global experiences in the use of bamboo as a tool
to improve livelihoods. A field study to identify the introduced species in different locations in
Kenya and assess their performance was undertaken under this program in November 2022.
The study is expected to fill gaps in knowledge and help select the most suitable species for
the different agroecological zones and for various applications that can contribute to the
economic development of the country.
This report on the identification and assessment of exotic bamboo species in Kenya is
expected to overcome many of the current limitations and help realize the full potential of
bamboo to bring about a transformation in the economy of the country. It is anticipated that a
proper understanding of the different species and their potential for utilization will encourage
greater involvement of government agencies, research organizations, farmers, and

INBAR Working Paper
2
entrepreneurs in taking up bamboo plantations of the best species, and that scientific
management will ensure higher productivity and more efficient utilization.
Ali Mchumo
Director General

INBAR Working Paper
3
Acknowledgement
The development of this technical paper on the assessment and identification of exotic
bamboo species in Kenya involved extensive field travel and consultation with a wide range
of stakeholders. The authors wish to acknowledge the contributions of all partners, institutions,
and individuals who supported the preparation of this document.
The authors would like to acknowledge the International Bamboo and Rattan Organization
(INBAR) for approving this study under the Dutch-Sino-East Africa Bamboo Development
Programme: Phase II, funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Chinese
government.
We thank the Kenya Forest Research Institute (KEFRI) and its regional offices for their
invaluable help and cooperation. We express our gratitude to Jacklyn Namadi, Eco Green in
Busia; Patrice Lumumba, Bamboo Farmers' Cooperative in Busia; Benedict Omondi, bamboo
progressive farmer in Busia; Victor Mwanga, Moses Osembo in Vihiga; Naftali Mwangi
Mahugu, the Great Muranga Bamboo Cooperative Society; and Hassan Mohamed Mkonga,
Forester, KEFRI Gede for their assistance in arranging field trips to plantations, nurseries, and
bamboo units.
The authors would like to express their sincere appreciation to the reviewers and researchers
for their valuable comments and recommendations, which will significantly enhance the quality
of the technical paper.
Finally, we would like to express our gratitude to Renfei Wang and the communication team
at the INBAR headquarters for their valuable contributions in terms of administrative
assistance, editing coordination, and document publication.
Authors

INBAR Working Paper
4
Table of Contents
Foreword ............................................................................................................................. 1
Acknowledgement .............................................................................................................. 3
Executive summary ............................................................................................................ 6
1. Introduction .................................................................................................................. 8
2. Methodology .............................................................................................................. 10
3. Agroecological zones of Kenya ................................................................................ 11
4. Exotic bamboo species of Kenya ............................................................................. 12
4.1. Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss ...................................................................................... 13
4.2. Bambusa multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch. ex Schult.f. ...................................................... 17
4.3. Bambusa polymorpha Munro .................................................................................... 20
4.4. Bambusa spinosa Roxb. ........................................................................................... 24
4.5. Bambusa tulda Roxb. ............................................................................................... 28
4.6. Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.Wendl. ................................................................. 32
4.7. Dendrocalamus asper (Schult.f.) Backer ex Heyne ................................................... 36
4.8. Dendrocalamus brandisii (Munro) Kurz ..................................................................... 40
4.9. Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro ............................................................................. 43
4.10. Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees & Arn. ex Munro ................................................... 46
4.11. Dendrocalamus membranaceus Munro .................................................................. 50
4.12. Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees .................................................................... 54
4.13. Phyllostachys aurea (André) Rivière & C. Rivière ................................................... 58
4.14. Thyrsostachys siamensis Gamble .......................................................................... 62
5. Identification of bamboos based on vegetative morphological characteristics .... 66
5.1. Morphological characteristics of taxonomic importance ............................................ 66
5.2. Morphological identification keys for the bamboos of Kenya ..................................... 68
6. Matching bamboo species with AEZs ...................................................................... 70
7. Potential for value addition in Kenya ....................................................................... 73
8. Recommendations ..................................................................................................... 75
References ........................................................................................................................ 76

INBAR Working Paper
5
List of Tables
Table 1. Classification of different Agroecological Zones (AEZs) in Kenya (Adapted from
John et al. (2022) ......................................................................................................... 11
Table 2. Exotic bamboo species found in Kenya ................................................................. 12
Table 3. The recommendations for the suitability of bamboo species in various AEZs ........ 71
List of Figures
Figure 1. Bambusa bambos: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and thorny branches; c) New shoot;
d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface .................................................................................. 16
Figure 2. Bambusa multiplex: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d)
Culm sheath; e) Culm surface ...................................................................................... 19
Figure 3. Bambusa polymorpha: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d)
Culm sheath ................................................................................................................. 23
Figure 4. Bambusa spinosa: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d) Culm
sheath; e) Thorny branches ......................................................................................... 27
Figure 5. Bambusa tulda: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d) Culm
sheath .......................................................................................................................... 31
Figure 6. Bambusa vulgaris: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d) Culm
sheath; e) B. vulgaris var striata ................................................................................... 35
Figure 7. Dendrocalamus asper: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d)
Culm sheath; e) Culm surface ...................................................................................... 39
Figure 8. Dendrocalamus brandisii: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot;
d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface .................................................................................. 42
Figure 9. Dendrocalamus giganteus: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot;
d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface .................................................................................. 45
Figure 10. Dendrocalamus hamiltonii: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New
shoot; d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface ....................................................................... 49
Figure 11. Dendrocalamus membranaceus: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New
shoot; d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface ....................................................................... 53
Figure 12. Dendrocalamus strictus: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot;
d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface .................................................................................. 57
Figure 13. Phyllostachys aurea: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d)
Culm sheath ................................................................................................................. 61
Figure 14. Thyrsostachys siamensis: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot;
d) Culm sheath ............................................................................................................ 65
Figure 15. Parts of the culm sheath .................................................................................... 68

INBAR Working Paper
6
Executive summary
In addition to the two species native to the region, the bamboo resources of Kenya consist of
several exotic species that were introduced into the country in the past decades. Because the
introductions and trials carried out in the different regions were not systematically documented,
it has not been possible to derive a significant amount of information to assess the potential
of each species and to select the best performers to adopt for future large-scale plantations.
Field visits were made to different trial sites and plantations of exotic species in Kenya to
assess their performances in different agroecological zones (AEZs).
Conventional taxonomy depends on the characteristics of the floral parts. This imposes a
severe restriction in the case of bamboo, because most species flower only once in their
lifetime; during most of the intervening period, identification has to depend only on vegetative
characteristics. To overcome this serious limitation, a field key to species identification,
suitable for laypeople and based on vegetative morphological features, was developed.
Descriptions of the selected exotic species of Kenya given in the report include taxonomic
information that includes the valid name, synonyms, and common names of the species, a
description of the morphological features that can help in identification, the climatic parameters
ideal for the species, propagation and cultivation methods, productivity, and uses.
Photographs, which also help identify the species, include the clump and culm habits, as well
as the branching pattern and the appearance of new shoots and culm sheaths.
The observations made during the field visits and the typical characteristics of the exotic
species in their native habitats were used to assess the suitability of selected exotic species
to the different AEZs of Kenya (Infonet-Biovision, 2023).
The thorny species Bambusa bambos was found most suitable for AEZs CL2–4 and LM1–2,
but is also expected to perform well in AEZs UM1–2 and LH3 up to 1,600 m above sea level
(ASL). Regular pruning of thorny branches is essential to keep the clumps in manageable
condition and to improve the productivity and quality of culms. Bambusa spinosa (B.
blumeana), another thorny species, is suited to AEZs CL2–4, LM1–3, and UM1–2 from sea
level up to 2000 m.a.s.l; management practices similar to those for B. bambos are
recommended.
Bambusa multiplex, a small bamboo, is suitable for both lower and higher elevations in AEZs
LM1–3 and UM1–2.

INBAR Working Paper
7
Bambusa polymorpha and Bambusa tulda, both medium-sized species, are most suited for
AEZs LM1–3 between 100 and 1500 m.a.s.l and UM 1–2 between 100 and 1700 m.a.s.l.
Bambusa vulgaris, the pan-global species, was found to be suitable for most zones,
particularly where soil moisture is not a constraint. It is best suited for AEZs CL2–4, LM 2–3,
and UM1-2 from sea level up to 2000 m.a.s.l. Although the yellow variety was more commonly
found, the green variety is recommended because its superior properties and durability are
preferred.
Among the larger bamboo species, Dendrocalamus asper is most suited for AEZs CL2, LM1–
2, and LH3 from sea level to 2000 m.a.s.l. Dendrocalamus brandisii was found best suited for
the humid areas of AEZs LM1–2, LH3, and UM1–2 from sea level to 2000 m.a.s.l, while
Dendrocalamus giganteus, a large diameter species, was suitable for cultivation in AEZs LM1–
2, LH3, and UM1–2 in areas with reliable rainfall from sea level up to 2100 m. ASL.
Dendrocalamus hamiltonii and Dendrocalamus membranaceus, medium-sized bamboos,
were best for AEZs CL2–4, LM1–2, LH3, and UM2 zones with reliable rainfall from sea level
to 2000 m.a.s.l and 1800 m.a.s.l, respectively.
Dendrocalamus strictus, a small bamboo adapted for drier areas, would be suitable for AEZs
LM 3–5 and CL 2–4 from sea level up to 1000 m.a.s.l. Thyrsostachys siamensis, another small
species, is suitable for AEZs L2–4 and LM2 from sea level to 2000 m.a.s.l.
The running bamboo species Phyllostachys aurea is best suited to AEZs LM1–2, UM1–3, and
LH1–3, up to 2100 m.a.s.l.
Recommendations derived from the study indicate the steps to be taken before large-scale
plantations are undertaken to exploit the full potential of bamboo. Demonstration trials with
suitable germplasms of the selected species are to be carried out with experimentation of
spacing and management practices, including agroforestry options with the main agricultural
crops of each AEZ. These can be followed by standardization of large-scale clonal propagation
methods for the best-performing clones for the production of quality planting material. It is also
recommended that a certification scheme for ensuring quality planting materials and nursery
management be adopted.

INBAR Working Paper
8
1. Introduction
Bamboo, the woody perennial grass, has recently attained importance primarily as the source
of rapidly renewable wood biomass for a range of applications that contribute to sustainable
development. The benefits of bamboo lie in its contributions to the environment and the
economy, which include the plant itself in its natural or cultivated form, its traditional use in
construction and handicrafts as an alternative to timber, steel, and plastics, its use as a
processed or engineered food, and its use as a viable bioenergy feedstock.
Bamboo is found in three major geographic regions with tropical and subtropical climates—
South and Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central and South America (Latin America). All three
regions have their native species, and several of them have been brought into large-scale
cultivation. Introductions to other regions have also been attempted, with varying levels of
success. Southeast Asia and China are extraordinarily rich in species diversity, and,
unsurprisingly, many species are cultivated in the region and as exotics in other regions.
Bamboo forest is estimated to cover an area of 1310.40 km2 in Kenya (Zhao et al, 2018). Most
of this is highland bamboo (Oldeania alpina), found mainly on Mount Elgon and Mount Kenya,
and in the Cherangany Hills, the Mau Forest, and the Aberdare Range. In East Africa and
other regions in Africa, exotic bamboo species have been introduced since the early twentieth
century. More recent introductions were made as part of species trials in which as many as
22 species were planted in different locations (John et al, 2022). In recent years, the multiple
uses of bamboo, especially its industrial applications, have generated awareness around the
world and led to interest in the commercial cultivation of both native and exotic species. Apart
from the traditional knowledge about bamboo, associated with the uses that it has been put to
in rural communities, potential farmers and entrepreneurs often lack information on scientific
cultivation, management, harvesting, and utilization.
The challenges
Bamboo was formally recognized as a cash crop in Kenya in 2020 to encourage its commercial
exploitation and use for improving green cover. This is sure to renew the interest in bamboo
plantations, but also highlights the gap in information on species and cultivation practices. The
use of bamboo to increase forest cover will go a long way toward meeting the nation’s
commitments to the Bonn Challenge, the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative, the
United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Convention on Biological
Diversity, and the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

INBAR Working Paper
9
The introduction of exotic species of bamboo into the country without appropriate
documentation has resulted in confusion regarding species identity as well as the origin of
planting material. The later introductions were part of trials carried out in various locations,
and the expectation was that growth performance would generate information that could
inform future plantation programs. However, the absence of proper management of clumps in
trials has resulted in suboptimal performance. The existing resource of native and introduced
species in Kenya has been studied by John et al (2022).
A better understanding of the taxonomy of bamboo species, especially exotic species, is
advantageous to its cultivation and utilization. Identification of bamboo from planting material
produced in the nurseries is fraught with the risk of misidentification. We made field visits to
areas of concentration of bamboo to observe morphological variations and growth
performance, attempting to identify the species precisely and make an identification key.
Based on these observations and the literature on experience in other countries, we
recommend matches between species and sites.
Classical taxonomy depends heavily on the characteristic features of reproductive parts.
However, the gregarious flowering nature of many of the important bamboo species and their
long lifecycles are great hurdles because no flowers are available for identification during most
of the plants’ lifetimes. Although bamboo species have been discriminated through
descriptions of the reproductive parts, bamboo has traditionally been identified through
vegetative characteristics. Variations in morphological characteristics between different
provenances within the species, compounded by interactions with local climatic factors, make
identification based on features such as color and texture difficult.

INBAR Working Paper
10
2. Methodology
Introduction of exotic bamboo species into Kenya and establishment of plantations in different
locations were done at various time points since the early 1990s. Since the field performance
of the species were not documented consistently, it was necessary to undertake field visits to
all known trial locations to make first hand observations.
The history of introductions was reconstructed as best as possible from the records available
in public domain and from official files in the organizations involved in the species trials and
plantations.
Field visits to the major AEZs in Kenya was done in November 2022. At the locations with
private plantations or experimental trials, the bamboo clumps were observed closely to identify
morphological features that could help in identification. In the absence of flowers and new
shoots at the time of the field visit, only the morphological features of the culms could be used
in identification of the species along with information provided by the farmer or official
managing the plots. The microclimatic factors in the location as well as the general climatic
factors and management regimes adopted were noted so as to identify the influence of such
factors on growth.
The literature on the exotic species was consulted to collect information on the distribution
range, species characteristics and native habitat, climatic factors and utilization. This
information together with the actual performance in Kenya was expected to help in taking
decisions on the suitability of a particular species to the potential sites across the different
agroecological zones in the country.

INBAR Working Paper
11
3. Agroecological zones of Kenya
The variety of landscapes and climatic and soil parameters across the country, as well as the
diversity of crops being cultivated, have led to the classification of different agroecological
zones (AEZs) in Kenya (Infonet-Biovision, 2023). Since the main parameters for agricultural
and horticultural crops are relevant to bamboo cultivation, it is useful to assign the suitability
of different species to the AEZs in Kenya with varying climatic factors (Table-1).
Table 1. Classification of different Agroecological Zones (AEZs) in Kenya (Adapted from
John et al. (2022)
County
AEZ
Elevation (m)
Annual mean
temp (°C)
Annual
rainfall (mm)
I. Central highlands
Kiambu
LH1
2,085
16
1,067
Kiambu
LH3
2,070
15.9
954
Murang’a
UM1
2,056
18–19
1,600–1,800
Nyeri
UM2
1,757
18
933
II. Western Kenya
Kakamega
UM1
1,633
20.5
2,100
Migori
LM2
1,504
21.7
1,400
Busia
LM1
1,227
22.2
1,600
III. Semi-arid eastern Kenya
Kibwezi
LM5
945
22.6
659
IV. Coastal lowlands
Kwale
CL2
66
27
1,386
Kilifi
CL4
25–85
27
927–1059
LH = Lower highland zone (LH1—tea zone; LH3—wheat, maize zone)
UM = Upper midland zone (UM1 [humid]—tea and coffee zone; UM2 [sub-humid]—mainly
coffee zone)
LM = Lower midland zone (LM1 [humid]—sugarcane zone ; LM2 [sub-humid] —marginal
sugarcane zone; LM5 [semi-arid]—millet zone)
CL = Coastal lowland zone (CL2 [humid] —marginal sugarcane zone; CL4 [sub-humid]—
cashew nut and cassava zone)

INBAR Working Paper
12
4. Exotic bamboo species of Kenya
Over a span of two decades, the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) has implemented
a collaborative effort with development partners to introduce a total of 14-15 exotic bamboo
species throughout various agroclimatic zones. The species were carefully monitored under
the diligent oversight of the field offices of the Kenya Forestry Research Institute (KEFRI) at
designated trial plantation locations. According to the official records, the subsequent exotic
species were recorded and observed in the field for the purpose of assessment and
identification(Table-2).
Table 2. Exotic bamboo species found in Kenya
Bambusa bambos
Bambusa multiplex
Bambusa polymorpha
Bambusa spinosa (B. blumeana)
Bambusa tulda
Bambusa vulgaris
Dendrocalamus asper
Dendrocalamus brandisii
Dendrocalamus giganteus
Dendrocalamus hamiltonii
Dendrocalamus membranaceus
Dendrocalamus strictus
Thyrsostachys siamensis
Phyllostachys aurea

INBAR Working Paper
13
4.1. Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Arundo bambos L., Bambos arundo J.F. Gmel., Arundo excelsa Salisb., Bambusa indica
André, Arundarbor bambos (L.) Kuntze, Bambusa bambusa Huth, Bambos bambos (L.) W.F.
Wright, Arundo arborea Mill., Bambos arundinacea Retz., Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd,
Bambos quinqueflora Stokes, Nastus arundinaceus (Retz.) Sm., Arundarbor arundinacea
(Retz.) Kuntze, Arundo agrestis Lour., Bambos agrestis (Lour.) Poir., Bambusa agrestis
(Lour.) Steud., Arundarbor agrestis (Lour.) Kuntze, Arundo bambu Lour., Arundo indica
Noronha, Arundo maxima Lour., Bambos maxima Poir., Bambusa maxima (Poir.) Steud.,
Gigantochloa maxima (Poir.) Kurz, Arundarbor maxima (Poir.) Kuntze, Bambusa orientalis
Nees, Ischurochloa arundinacea var. orientalis (Nees) Buse, Arundarbor orientalis (Nees)
Kuntze, Bambusa arundinacea var. orientalis (Nees) Gamble, Bambusa arundo Wight ex
Steud., Bambusa neesiana Arn. ex Munro, Bambusa arundinacea var. gigantea Bahadur,
Bambusa bambos var. gigantea (Bahadur) Benn. & R.C. Gaur, Bambusa bambos f. gigantea
(Bahadur) S.S. Jain & S. Biswas.
Common names (Language/Area in parentheses):
Thorny bamboo (English); Kotoha bah (Assam-India); Wakynta (Garo-India); Kanta bauns
(Orissa-India); Illi, Mula, Pattill (Kerala-India); Bidduru, Gatte (Karnataka-India); Toncur
(Gujarat-India); Bongu veduru, Mulla veduru (Andhra Pradesh-India); Mungil (Tamil Nadu-
India); Nal bans (Punjab-India); Kanta bans, Behor bans (West Bengal-India), Kanta bans
(Bangladesh); Kante bans (Nepal); Katu Una (Sri Lanka); Cha-kat-wa, Kyakat-wa (Burmese);
Phai Paak, Phai Namm (Thailand); Rai-sai (Khmer); May Phaipa, Phaix pa (Laos); Russei
khlei, Russei prei (Cambodia); Tre Ng, Tre Gai (Viet Nam); Bambu duriori (Indonesia); Pring
ori (Jawa-Indonesia); Indian bamboo (Philippines); Spiny bamboo, Bambú espinoso (Cuba);
Banbu cafi a de indios (Spanish); Bambus, Dorniger (Germany); Bambou épineux (French).
Description:
A large clumping evergreen bamboo with short-necked pachymorph rhizomes. Culms are
erect or gently arching. Culms are 6–10 m high (Banik, 2016) with a diameter of 5–8 cm, wall
thickness 1–1.5 mm, and internode length of 20–40 cm. Branches armed with stout thorns are
a characteristic feature of this species. The culm sheath is wide, triangular with pointed tip,
16–18 cm long and 16–18 cm broad, adaxial surface glabrous or sparsely minutely hairy in
stripes, abaxial surface, glabrous, margins glabrous, hyaline, filmy, in median region of sheath

INBAR Working Paper
14
upper margin slightly upwards. Ligule coriaceous, small, margin in equal position, and auricle
indistinct from ligule(Figure-1).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
Indian Subcontinent to Indo-China
Indian Subcontinent: Assam, Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka
Indo-China: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam
India: Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Konkan, and in the Western Ghat Range, Jharkhand,
Bihar and Chhattisgarh, Deccan, Nilgiris
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Western Indian Ocean: Seychelles
Indian Subcontinent: Maldives
Malesia: Jawa, Malaya, Maluku, Philippines, Sumatera
Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
Caribbean: Cuba, Windward Islands
Locations in Kenya: Kilifi-Jilore, experimental plot (AEZ-CL4);
Migori-Kehancha, private plantation (AEZ-LM2)
Climatic parameters:
B. bambos is native from sea level up to elevations of 1200 m (Banik, 2016), with
approximately 2000–2500 mm annual rainfall and mean maximum temperatures of 28.5–
36.7°C. The species grows well in red to brown laterite and sandy loam soil with pH 7.4–7.8.
In Kenya, the species is found growing from 25-1504 m.a.s.l in areas with annual rainfall 927
-1400 mm, mean annual temperature of 22-27°C and sandy to sandy clay soils.
Native habitat:
This species is native to humid tropics in moist and dry deciduous forests, degraded forests
along riverbanks, in river valleys, and in other moist sites (Banik, 2016).
Propagation:
B. bambos flowers gregariously in cycles of 30–49 y. Seed weight (Number in 1 g) is estimated
as 99 (Banik, 2016), and 50–80% germination is obtained. Clonal propagation through macro
proliferation is widely practiced (Kumar, 1994). Rhizome offsets of 1–2-year-old culms give

INBAR Working Paper
15
65–75% success (Banik, 2016). Hormone-treated culm cuttings give 50–60% rootbring and
branch cuttings 45–65% success (Banik, 2016). Air layering is also feasible (Banik, 2016), but
not commonly practiced. Propagation through tissue culture is reported in the species through
both axillary bud proliferation (Arya et al, 2002) and somatic embryogenesis (Mehta, Rao and
Mohan Ram, 1982).
Cultivation:
Spacing of 5 × 5 m or 6 × 6 m is used for block plantations, while 3–4 rows at close spacing
is suitable for live fencing. Mixing with species such as Teak is possible (Banik, 2016).
Productivity:
Culm production: 16 culms per clump at the end of six years after planting (Shanmughavel
and Francis, 1993). Mean annual biomass production was 49.6tDMha−1, over the 6 year
period.
Uses:
Traditional uses: handicraft, weaving, culm for construction, edible shoots, thorny branches
for fencing, and clumps for live fencing (Banik, 2016), and medicinal amorphous siliceous
deposits (Tabashir) (Banik, 2016). Good potential industrial uses: laminated bamboo, strand
woven, paper pulp, biorefinery, and charcoal. Water and soil conservation. Food for wildlife
(elephants). In Kenya, the species is mostly used for rehabilitation of degraded land and for
live fencing.

INBAR Working Paper
16
Figure 1. Bambusa bambos: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and thorny branches; c) New shoot;
d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface

INBAR Working Paper
17
4.2. Bambusa multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch. ex Schult.f.
Subspecies/varieties/clones:
Fern leaf, Alphonse-Karr, B. multiplex var. multiplex (xiao shun zhu or yuan bian zhong),
Bambusa multiplex var. incana B. M. Yang (mao feng huang zhu), Bambusa multiplex var.
riviereorum Maire (guan yin zhu), Bambusa multiplex var. shimadae (Hayata) Sasaki (shi jiao
zhu).
Common names (Language/area in parentheses):
Xiao shun zhu (China); Chinese dwarf bamboo, Clumping bamboo, Hedge bamboo, Oriental
bamboo (English).
Description:
A densely clumped bamboo with short-necked pachymorph rhizomes and arching tips. The
height of the culm reaches 3–10 m, with a culm diameter of 1.5–3 cm. The internodes are 30–
45 cm long, and the wall thickness is 0.3–0.8 mm. Nodes are slightly prominent, with branching
throughout the culm. Culms and branches are green-striped, green, or yellow, with branches
at culm nodes from the base to the top(Figure-2).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
China: China South Central, Hainan, China Southeast
Indian Subcontinent: East Himalaya, Nepal
Indo-China: Laos, Myanmar, Viet Nam
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Western Indian Ocean: Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles
Western Asia: Iraq
Indian Subcontinent: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Indo-China: Cambodia
Malesia: Malaysia
Papuasia: Bismarck Archipelago
New Zealand: New Zealand North
Southeastern U.S.A.: Florida
Mexico: Mexico Southeast
Caribbean: Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Windward Islands

INBAR Working Paper
18
Western South America: Colombia, Ecuador
Brazil: Brazil Southeast
In Kenya, it is found in Muranga-Gatanga private plot in AEZ-UM1
Climatic parameters:
B. multiplex grows at a wide range of temperatures from −10 °C to 42 °C , in areas with an
annual rainfall of 800–2500 mm and at elevations of 5–1000 m. In Kenya it is reported in
cultivation at elevations of 2056 m.a.s.l and with mean annual rainfall 1600-1800 mm and
mean annual temp 18-19 °C
Soil:
The species prefers well-drained medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Soil organic carbon
of 0.80–1.50% and a pH of 4.30-7.10 are suitable for the cultivation of this species.
Native habitat:
The species is found wild and under cultivation on low hills, mountains, riversides, and in fields.
Propagation:
The species flowers rarely and has not been reported to set seeds. Clonal propagation is
widely used through culm and branch cuttings and rhizome offsets. Tissue culture procedures
for multiplication using shoot meristems (Shirin and Rana, 2007) and somatic embryogenesis
(Yuan et al, 2010) have been reported, but commercial methods are not known.
Cultivation:
The species is commonly planted for ornamental purposes and landscaping. It is planted for
as live fencing and in agroforestry systems in strip and block plantations, using 4 × 4 m or 5 ×
5 m spacing (or 1 × 1 m for fencing).
Productivity:
Culm production: Yuan (2010) reported 2500–3000 culms/ha.

INBAR Working Paper
19
Figure 2. Bambusa multiplex: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d)
Culm sheath; e) Culm surface

INBAR Working Paper
20
4.3. Bambusa polymorpha Munro
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Arundarbor polymorpha (Munro) Kuntze, Bambusa cyanostachya Kurz ex Gamble.
Common names (language/area in parentheses):
Hui gan zhu (China); Jama betwa (Assam-India); Faura (Tripura-India); Wakobor (ADC Dukli,
DebBarma-Tripura); Kyanthung-wa (Myanmar); Pharua (Sylhet, Bangladesh); Mascumba,
Burma, Rangoon bans (Chittagong, Bangladesh); Pai Hom (Thailand).
Description:
A densely tufted bamboo species with very short-necked pachymorph rhizomes. Culms are
erect and attain a height of 10–25 m (Kumari and Singh, 2014; Banik, 2016) and a diameter
of 5-15 cm (Banik 2016, Kumari and Singh 2014). Culms have a wall thickness of 1.5–2 mm.
Lengths of internodes vary from 40 to 95 cm (Kumari and Singh, 2014; Banik, 2016).
Branching in the species is from mid-culm upwards. Nodes are slightly prominent. Culm-
sheaths are persistent, 20–25 cm long and 30-35 cm broad, broader at the base and rounded
at the top, covered on back with densely and closely appressed brown to dark brown
deciduous hairs; the ligule is narrow, irregularly dentate, and ciliate; the auricles are unequal,
falcate, continuous with the sheath, and with deciduous bristles. The blade is 6–10 cm long
and reflexed, deciduous, base triangular cordate, apex acuminate, abaxial surface with brown
pubescence and adaxial surface felted with dark hairs, and margins ciliate. Young shoots are
brownish-green with a light brown or sometimes greenish or golden yellow sheath, covered
with dark brown hairs, blades greenish with dark brown hairs; lower half margin with whitish
or yellowish cilia, boat shaped, at the tip of the shoot auricles biseriate, prominent, wavy, with
whitish or yellowish cilia. Leaves are linear-lanceolate, 7–18 cm long and 1–2 cm
broad(Figure-3).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
Bangladesh to China (Yunnan) and Indo-China
China: China South-Central
Bangladesh
Indo-China: Laos, Myanmar, Thailand
Malesia: Jawa, Myanmar, Thailand

INBAR Working Paper
21
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Indian Subcontinent: Assam, Eastern Himalaya, Sri Lanka)
Caribbean: Cuba, Puerto Rico
Western South America: Ecuador
In Kenya it is cultivated in Busia-Butula, private plot (AEZ-LM1)
Climatic parameters:
B. polymorpha grows within a temperature range of 3–35°C (Banik, 2016), but tolerates down
to −3°C (Durai and Long, 2019) and up to 53°C (Durai and Long, 2019). The species grows
well in areas with a precipitation of 3000–6000 mm (Banik, 2016) and elevations of 300–500
m (Kumari and Singh, 2014). In Kenya the species grows at 1227 m.a.s.l, mean annual rainfall
1600 mm and mean annual temp 22.2°C .
Soil:
B. polymorpha prefers deep, rich, well-drained, fertile loam soils (Banik, 2016). Soil organic
content: soil pH. In Kenya it is found growing on Clay with sand.
Native habitat:
The species is found at the borders of mixed subtropical evergreen forests and prefers a moist,
shady habitat (Kumari and Singh 2014). It is found particularly on lower slopes and in well-
drained valleys, is often associated with Teak in moist mixed deciduous forests, and prefers
tall trees (Banik, 2016). Also found associated with Cephalostachyum pergracile in moist soils.
Propagation:
The species has a flowering cycle of 35–60 years (Kumari and Singh, 2014). The seed weight
(number in 1 g) is 0.038 and gives a germination of 40% (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995). Clonal
propagation is successful with seedling macro proliferation after six months of germination in
nursery beds. Rhizome offsets from 2-year-old culms give 100% success (Dransfield and
Widjaja, 1995; Benton, 2015). Culm cuttings are the best method for clonal propagation in this
species (Banik, 2008), but branch cuttings give 90% success (Benton, 2015) and air layering
80% success (Benton, 2015; Durai and Long, 2019).
Cultivation:
Homestead plantation at a spacing of 4 × 4 m is adopted.

INBAR Working Paper
22
Productivity:
Culm production of 22 t ha−1 of air-dried culms in a 3-year rotation was reported.
Uses:
Traditional uses: construction, edible shoots, stick-based products, agricultural implements,
and landscaping (Long and Durai, 2019). The potential is high for paper/pulp and engineered
bamboo. The species is ideal for agroforestry systems and can serve as a windbreak and
protection against soil erosion.

INBAR Working Paper
23
Figure 3. Bambusa polymorpha: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d)
Culm sheath

INBAR Working Paper
24
4.4. Bambusa spinosa Roxb.
Subspecies/varieties/clones:
Bambusa blumeana Schult. f., Bambusa blumeana var. luzonensis Hack.
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Arundo spinosa (Roxb.) Oken, Ischurochloa spinosa (Roxb.) Buse, Arundarbor spinosa
(Roxb.) Kuntze, Bambusa arundinacea var. spinosa (Roxb.) E.G. Camus, Bambusa bambos
var. spinosa (Roxb.) S.S. Jain & S. Biswas, Bambusa spinosa Blume ex Nees, Bambusa
blumeana Schult.f., Schizostachyum durie Rupr., Arundarbor blumeana (Schult.f.) Kuntze,
Bambusa pungens Blanco, Arundarbor pungens (Blanco) Kuntze, Bambusa teba Miq.,
Arundarbor teba (Miq.) Kuntze, Bambusa stenostachya Hack., Ischurochloa stenostachya
(Hack.) Nakai, Bambusa blumeana var. luzonensis Hack.
Common names (Language/area in parentheses)
Spiny bamboo, Thorny bamboo (English); Buluh duri, Buluh sikai (Malaysia); Anoo, Batakan,
Baugin, Dugian, Baugin cana espina, Kauayan, Kauayan ng bayog, Kauayan totoo, Kauayan
gid, Kauayan potog, Kabugauan, Kauyang siitan, Kawayang tinik, Lamnuan, Marurugi,
Pasingan, Paua, rugian, Cana espina (Philippines); Tre gai, Tre lá ngắn (Viet Nam); Bamboo
duri, Haur cucuk, Pring gesing (Indonesia); Russei rollick (Cambodia); Phaix ban: nz (Lao
PDR); Phai see suk, Waa me bo (Thailand); Le zhu (China).
Description:
A densely tufted erect bamboo with spiny branches and short-necked pachymorph rhizomes.
Culms grow to a height of 15−25 m (Mohmod et al, 1993). The culm diameter is 7.3–8.7 cm
(Mohmod et al, 1993); 7.8–10.3 cm (base), 8.13–9.65 cm (mid), 7.06–7.6 cm (top) (Salzer et
al, 2018). Internodes are 18–60 cm long and wall thickness is 0.7–1.5 cm (Mohmod et al,
1993; Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995). Nodes are prominent (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995).
Branching starts from the base upward, forming a thick interlacing thicket (Figure-4).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
Jawa to Maluku
Malesia: Borneo, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Islands, Maluku, Philippines

INBAR Working Paper
25
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
China: China South-Central, China Southeast
Indian Subcontinent: Bangladesh
Indo-China: Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Viet Nam
Malesia: Malaysia
Caribbean: Puerto Rico
In Kenya it is cultivated in Kiambu- Muguga, experimental plot (AEZ- LH3) and Kilifi-
Jilore, experimental plot in AEZ-CL4
Climatic parameters:
The species grows at 18-32°C but can tolerate 8-37°C. It prefers a mean annual rainfall of
1500-4000 mm, but tolerates 1000-5000 mm. It grows at elevations of up to 1000 m. In Kenya
is found cultivated in location with temperature of 16-27 °C and at elevations from 25 to 2070
m.a.s.l. with means annual rain fall of 927 to 1059 mm.
Soil:
The species grows on heavy soils and on marginal land. The optimum pH is 5–6.5. It does not
tolerate salinity (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995). In Kenya the species is found growing well in
Loamy and sandy soils.
Native habitat:
This species is native to mixed moist deciduous forest, but is no less common in mixed dry
deciduous forest and semievergreen forest. It grows well along riverbanks, hill slopes, and
freshwater creeks. The species tolerates flooding (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995).
Propagation:
B. spinosa has a flowering cycle of 20–30 years; sporadic flowering is reported, but without
any seed set (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995). Clonal propagation is reported to be successful
through 2–3 noded culm cuttings taken from the middle portion of 1–2-year-old culms and 3-
noded cuttings from branches, up to 1.5 cm in diameter, from 1–2-year-old culms with
hormone treatment (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995). No reports are known of micropropagation
procedures.

INBAR Working Paper
26
Cultivation:
Spacing of 8 × 8 m or 10 × 10 m is used for block plantations (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995).
Productivity:
Culm production: 8 culms/year (800–1200/ha) in managed plantations, 5 culms/year (500–
750/ha) in unmanaged plantations. 960–1600 culms/ha/year in natural stands have been
reported by Dransfield and Widjaja (1995). Standing crop production (dry weight) is estimated
at 143 t ha−1 (120 t for culms, 18 t for branches, 5 t for leaves) (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995);
143 Mg (Uchimura, 1978); 9 t ha−1 y−1 of paper pulp (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995).
Uses:
Traditional uses: weaving, construction, household implements, edible shoots (a preferred
species), windbreaks, and live fences (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995). Industrial uses:
laminated bamboo, paper pulp, chopsticks, furniture, and flooring tiles (Dransfield and Widjaja,
1995; Tesoro and Espiloy, 1988). The potential is high for bioenergy, biorefinery, and
engineered bamboo. The species is planted along riverbanks to control soil erosion. The
species has been used for furniture made of round culms.

INBAR Working Paper
27
Figure 4. Bambusa spinosa: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d) Culm
sheath; e) Thorny branches

INBAR Working Paper
28
4.5. Bambusa tulda Roxb.
Subspecies/varieties/clones:
Bambusa tulda Roxb. var. tulda, Bambusa tulda Roxb. var. gamblei P. Kumari & P. Singh var.
nov.
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Dendrocalamus tulda (Roxb.) Voigt, Bambusa macala Buch. Ham. ex Munro, Bambusa
trigyna Roxb. ex Munro.
Common names (Language/Area in parentheses):
Jati bah (Assam-India); Mitinga/Mirtenga (Tripura-India, Bangladesh); Taleda/Taral/Telda
(West Bengal, Odisha-India); Raw thing (Mizoram-India), Thaik-wa (Myanmar); fu zhu (China);
Bengal bamboo, Calcutta cane, East India brown bamboo (English).
Description:
A medium-sized clumping bamboo with short-necked pachymorph rhizomes. The culms are
erect and apically drooping; they attain a height of 8–30 m and are sometimes zigzagged at
the lower part. Culm diameters are 5–10 cm and the wall thickness is 0.75–2.75 cm. Internode
lengths are 18–35 cm. Branching occurs from the fourth node upward, and nodes are slightly
prominent(Figure-5).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
Himalaya to China (Yunnan) and Indo-China
China: China South Central, China Tibet
Indian Subcontinent: Assam, Bangladesh, East Himalaya, India, Nepal, West Himalaya
Indo-China: Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Western Asia: Iraq
Caribbean: Puerto Rico
Western South America: Columbia, Ecuador
Brazil: Brazil Southeast
In Kenya cultivated in Kiambu-Muguga, experimental plot (AEZ-LH3))

INBAR Working Paper
29
Climatic Parameters:
B. tulda grows well in moist and moderately high rainfall (4000–6500 mm) areas with
temperature range from 4 to 37 °C and seen up to 1500 m altitude (Banik, 2016). In Kenya,
grows at elevation of 2070 m.a.s.l, annual rainfall of 954 mm and mean annual temperature
of 16°C.
Soil:
The species prefers fine-textured moist alluvial soil in good rainfall areas, such as semi-
evergreen forests (Seethalakshmi and Muktesh Kumar, 1998; Nautiyal, Nautiyal and
Chaukiyal, 2008; Singh et al, 2010) and flat alluvial deposits (Banik, 2016). In Kenya the
species performs well in loamy soils.
Native habitat:
The species grows along the borders of evergreen forests and foothills in humid tropical and
subtropical regions (Seethalakshmi and Muktesh Kumar, 1998; Anon, 2005; Nautiyal, Nautiyal
and Chaukiyal, 2008; Singh et al, 2010). It is found in association with Shorea robusta (Sal)
and in mixed deciduous forests.
Propagation:
The species shows both sporadic and gregarious flowering (Srivastava et al, 2012) and
estimates of its flowering cycle vary between 15 and 40 years (Kumari and Singh, 2014;
Benton, 2015). Seed weight (Number in 1 g) is estimated at 15 (Banik, 2000), 23.7 (Suraj and
Nath, 2011), and 23.69 (Srivastava et al, 2012). Germination rates of 97% (Srivastava et al,
2012), 75% (Sarma et al, 2010), and 92% (Ahlawat et al, 2002) in 9–30 days have been
reported. Viability under proper storage conditions is three months.
Clonal propagation through seedling macro proliferation is feasible in this species (Kumar,
1994). Rhizome offsets taken from 1–2-year-old culms (Singh et al, 2010) and culm cuttings
from mid to lower nodes have been successfully used for propagation (Banik, 2008). Branch
cuttings and air layering are also successful (Benton, 2015). Tissue culture propagation
through axillary bud proliferation has been reported by Saxena and Bhojwani (1991) and
Mishra et al (2008).

INBAR Working Paper
30
Cultivation:
Plantation type: Block plantations, agroforestry plantations at a spacing of 5 × 5 m. Mixing with
trees like Teak, Shorea, and agroforestry species is feasible.
Productivity:
Culm production has been estimated at 1088 culms ha-1 (Majumdar, Choudhary and Datta
(2016), 2016) and Above Ground Biomass (AGB) at 100.29 Mg ha-1 (Devi and Singh, 2021).
The species shows tremendous variability, and 19 genotypes are recognized (Singh, 1993).
Surveys, germplasm collections, and selections of superior genotypes for propagation have
been undertaken by ICFRE, India, throughout the native habitats in India (Ginwal, 2021).
Uses:
Traditional uses: handicrafts, basketry, construction (Benton, 2015), edible shoots, incense
sticks, furniture (Benton, 2015), mats, baskets, fishing rods, and flutes. Industrial uses:
laminated bamboo (Benton, 2015), strand woven board (Mohmod et al, 1993), paper, and pulp
(Tesero and Espiloy, 1988). In Kenya the species has been used for furniture making.
Potential exists for bioenergy, biorefinery, and carbon trading. It is a common species in flood-
prone areas of northeast India and is therefore important in soil erosion control. The species
also comes up well in drier tracts and has the potential for eco-restoration.

INBAR Working Paper
31
Figure 5. Bambusa tulda: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d) Culm
sheath

INBAR Working Paper
32
4.6. Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.Wendl.
Subspecies/varieties/clones:
Three varieties: Green, Yellow (‘Striata’), and Buddha Belly (‘Wamin’).
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Leleba vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.Wendl., Arundo mitis Lour., Bambos mitis (Lour.) Poir.,
Bambusa mitis (Lour.) Steud., Phyllostachys mitis (Lour.) Rivière & C.Rivière, Arundarbor
mitis (Lour.) Kuntze, Nastus thouarsii Raspail, Bambusa thouarsii (Raspail) Kunth, Nastus
viviparus Raspail, Bambusa striata Lodd. ex Lindl., Arundarbor striata (Lodd. ex Lindl.)
Kuntze, Bambusa vulgaris var. striata (Lodd. ex Lindl.) Gamble, Leleba vulgaris var. striata
(Lodd. ex Lindl.) Nakai, Bambusa mitis Blanco, Bambusa monogyna Blanco, Arundarbor
monogyna (Blanco) Kuntze, Bambusa humilis Rchb. ex Rupr., Bambusa surinamenis Rupr.,
Arundo fera Oken, Bambusa fera (Oken) Miq., Arundarbor fera (Oken) Kuntze, Bambusa
blancoi Steud., Arundarbor blancoi (Steud.) Kuntze, Bambusa sieberi Griseb., Bambusa
auriculata Kurz, Gigantochloa auriculata (Kurz) Kurz. Oxytenanthera auriculata (Kurz) Prain,
Bambusa madagascariensis Rivière & C.Rivière, Bambusa vulgaris var. vittata Rivière &
C.Rivière, Bambusa vulgaris f. vittata (Rivière & C.Rivière) McClure, Bambusa vulgaris var.
latiflora Balansa, Bambusa latiflora (Balansa) T.Q.Nguyen, Bambusa nguyenii Ohrnb.,
Bambusa wamin E.G. Camus, Bambusa vulgaris var. aureovariegata Beadle, Bambusa
vulgaris f. waminii T.H.Wen.
Common names (Language/Area in parentheses):
Long tou zhu (China); Jai borua (Assam-India).
Description:
Large, tufted bamboo with short-necked pachymorph rhizomes. The loosely clumping, erect
culms with drooping tips are slightly bent at the base. Culms are 8–15 m high and have a
diameter of 5–9 cm and wall thickness of 7.3–15 mm. Internodes are deep green and length
20–30 cm long (Flora of China, 2006). Branching occurs from lower nodes upward, and nodes
are slightly prominent. Culm sheaths are deciduous, apex arched below the blade, concave
below the auricles; auricles conspicuous, ascending, nearly equal in shape and size, oblong
or reniform, 8–10 mm; oral setae curved, fine; ligule 3–4 mm, serrate, very shortly white
ciliolate; blade deciduous, erect or deflexed, broadly triangular to triangular, base slightly
rounded, ca. 1/2 width of sheath apex, abaxially sparsely stiffly dull brown hairy, adaxially

INBAR Working Paper
33
densely stiffly dull brown hairy between veins, apex involute, sharply apiculate. Leaf blade
narrowly lanceolate, 10–30 × 1.3–2.5 cm, both surfaces glabrous(Figure-6).
Distribution
A. Native range:
China: China South Central
Indo-China: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Northern Africa: Libya
West Tropical Africa: Benin, Burkina, Ghana, Guinea, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Sierra Leone,
Togo
West-Central Tropical Africa: Cameroon, Gulf of Guinea Islands. Rwanda, Zaire
Middle Atlantic Ocean: Ascension
Western Indian Ocean: Aldabra, Chagos Archipelago, Madagascar, Rodrigues
Indian Subcontinent: Assam, Bangladesh, Eastern Himalaya, India, Maldives, Sri Lanka
Indo-China: Andamans
Malesia: Jawa, Malaya, Maluku
Papuasia: Bismarck Archipelago, New Guinea
Southwestern Pacific: Tonga, Wallis and Futuna Islands
North Central Pacific: Hawaii
Southeastern U.S.A.: Florida, South Carolina
Mexico: Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Southwest, Mexico
Southeast
Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama
Caribbean: Cayman Islands, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Islands,
Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Windward Islands
Western South America: Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Brazil: Brazil West Central, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil South
In Kenya it is a commonly cultivated species (reported in private farms at Migori-Kehancha
(AEZ-LM2) and Muranga-Gatanga (AEZ-UM1) and in an experimental plot at Kiambu-
Muguga (AEZ-LH3).

INBAR Working Paper
34
Climatic parameters:
B. vulgaris grows from sea level to 870 m altitude in areas with an annual rainfall of 1364.3-
2585 mm and a temperature of 25°C. In Kenya the species is found at 1504 -2070 m.a.s.l. in
locations with mean annual rainfall from 954-1800 mm and mean annual temperature of 16-
22°C.
Soil:
This species is widely grown at a depth of 4.5-6 m on sandy, silty, hydromorphic, and sandy
volcanic soils, vertisols and ferralitic soils, and andosols (Nfornkah et al, 2020). In Kenya it is
commonly found on sandy clay and loams.
Native habitat:
The species is found on riversides in open forests in Yunnan (Flora of China, 2016).
Propagation:
B. vulgaris is a sterile species that rarely flowers and sets no seeds. Clonal propagation
through culm and branch cuttings and pre-rooted rhizomes is the common means of
propagation. Ground layering and air layering are also successful. Micropropagation through
axillary bud proliferation has been achieved by Nadgir et al (1984), Arya and Arya (2009) and
Ramanayake et al (2006).
Cultivation:
Spacing of 6 × 6 m, 8 × 8 m, or 12 × 12 m is used for block plantations.
Productivity:
Culm production: 10 t ha−1 y−1 (Seethalakshmi and Muktesh Kumar, 1998); 2296 culms/ha
(Nfornkah et al, 2020). Above Ground Biomass: 29 kg (Nfornkah et al, 2020).
Uses:
Traditional uses: handicraft, weaving, construction, edible shoots. Industrial uses: particle
board (Calegari et al, 2007; Gauss et al, 2019), laminated bamboo (Biswas et al, 2009), paper
pulp, charcoal, engineered bamboo. The potential for biofuel and biorefinery feedstock is high.
B. vulgaris is a truly pan-global bamboo species and has adapted well to a range of climatic
conditions. It is tolerant of both drought and salinity and can therefore be used for
ecorestoration programs with good success.

INBAR Working Paper
35
Figure 6. Bambusa vulgaris: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d) Culm
sheath; e) B. vulgaris var striata

INBAR Working Paper
36
4.7. Dendrocalamus asper (Schult.f.) Backer ex Heyne
Subspecies/varieties/clones:
Dendrocalamus asper cv betung wulung, cv Tahi green and cv Phai Tong Dam (Benton,
2015); D. asper f. niger Hildebrand and Betung Hitam (Rao, Ramanatha Rao and Williams,
1998).
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Arundo piscatoria Lour., Calamagrostis piscatoria (Lour.) Steud., Bambusa aspera Schult.f.,
Arundo aspera (Schult.f.) Oken, Gigantochloa aspera (Schult.f.) Kurz, Sinocalamus flagellifer
T.Q.Nguyen, Bambusa bitung Schult.f., Schizostachyum bitung (Schult.f.) Steud., Arundarbor
bitung (Schult.f.) Kuntze, Revis., Bambusa flagellifera Griff. ex Munro, Trans., Dendrocalamus
flagellifer Munro, Schizostachyum loriforme Munro, Dendrocalamus asper f. niger Hildebr.
Common names:
Buong (Viet Nam), ma lai tian long zhu (China).
Description:
Large, tufted, erect bamboo with short-necked pachymorph rhizomes. Culms reach 15–30 m
high (Flora of China, 2006; Benton, 2015) and have a diameter of 6–20 cm (Flora of China,
2006; Benton, 2015) and wall thickness of 1.1–2 cm (Benton, 2015; Banik, 2016). Culms have
an internode length of 30–50 cm (Flora of China, 2006; Benton, 2015), and branches form
from the ninth node upwards (Flora of China, 2006) the culm (Figure-7).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
Bangladesh to China and Malesia
China: China South Central, China Southeast
Indian Subcontinent: Bangladesh
Indo-China: Andamans, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam
Malesia: Borneo, Jawa, Lesser Sunda Islands, Malaya, Maluku, Philippines, Sulawesi,
Sumatera
Papuasia: New Guinea
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Indian subcontinent: Sri Lanka

INBAR Working Paper
37
Papuasia: Bismarck Archipelago
Caribbean: Puerto Rico
Western South America: Colombia, Ecuador
Brazil: Brazil West-Central, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil North, Brazil South
In Kenya it is cultivated in Kiambu-Muguga in experimental plot (AEZ-LH3), Muranga-
Gatanga (AEZ-LM1) and Busia (AEZ –UM1) in private farms.
Climatic parameters:
The species grows in areas with an average temperature of 27°C and annual precipitation of
217 mm at elevations of 600–1500 m. In Kenya it is grown in locations with elevations from
1227-2070 m.a.s.l. and with annual rainfall ranging from 954 mm to 1800 mm and mean
annual temperature 16- 22°C
Soil:
This species will grow in any type of soil, although it grows better on heavy soils with good
drainage. In Thailand, the species will grow well on sandy and rather acidic soils. In Kenya it
is grown in locations with Loam and clay with sand.
Propagation:
Natural propagation occurs through seeds. 36.5% germination is obtained after 18 months of
storage at 5°C (Banik, 2015). Clonal propagation through seedling macro proliferation is
feasible in nurseries at intervals of six months. Rhizome offsets give a success rate of 70–
80% (Banik, 1995). Micropropagation through axillary bud proliferation (Arya et al, 2002; Singh
et al, 2011; Banerjee, Gantait and Pramanik, 2011) is successful and has been
commercialized in India.
Cultivation:
Spacing of 5 × 5 m or 6 × 6 m is used for block plantations and plantations for edible shoots.
Productivity:
Culm production: 10–11 t ha−1 y−1 (Malanit, Barbu and Frühwald, 2009), 660–1070 kg ha−1 y−1
(air dried) from 3-4-year-old plantation (Tesoro and Espiloy, 1988). Above Ground Biomass
has been estimated at 16 t culms/ha per year (Pungbun, 2000).

INBAR Working Paper
38
Uses:
Traditional uses: handicraft and construction. The species is much preferred for edible shoots.
Industrial uses: laminated bamboo (Malanit, Barbu and Frühwald, 2009), oriented strand
board (Febrianto et al, 2012; Malanit, Barbu and Frühwald, 2011, 2011) and parquet flooring
(Tesoro and Espiloy, 1988). It has good potential for bioenergy production and biorefinery. As
a species with good performance around the world, its use in ecorestoration programs is ideal
because livelihood development is also possible. Its other advantages lie in its abilities to bind
soil and form leaf-litter mulch. In Kenya it is used for round bamboo furniture.

INBAR Working Paper
39
Figure 7. Dendrocalamus asper: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d)
Culm sheath; e) Culm surface

INBAR Working Paper
40
4.8. Dendrocalamus brandisii (Munro) Kurz
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Bambusa brandisii Munro; Arundarbor brandisii (Munro) Kuntze.
Common names (Language/area in parenthesis):
Bulka, Wanan, Burma bamboo (India); Bo shi tian long zhu (China); Kyalo-wa, wabo
(Myanmar); hôk (Lao PDR); phai-bongyai phai-sangyen (Thailand).
Description:
The species is a large, tall evergreen bamboo with erect culms and short-necked pachymorph
rhizomes (Banik, 2016). Culms attain a height 19–33 m (Seethalakshmi and Muktesh Kumar,
1998; Flora of China, 2016). Culm diameter is 13–20 cm (Seethalakshmi and Muktesh Kumar,
1998), wall thickness 1.7–3 mm (Viswanath et al., 2007) and internode length, 30–43 cm
(Seethalakshmi and Muktesh Kumar, 1998; Viswanath et al., 2007; Flora of China). Branching
is mostly mid-culms upward and nodes are not prominent, but aerial roots are present(Figure-
8).
Distribution
A. Native range:
China South-Central
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Indian Subcontinent: Bangladesh.
Indo-China: Andaman Islands, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam.
In Kenya the species is cultivated in experimental plot in Kiambu-Muguga (AEZ-LH3)
Climatic parameters:
D. brandisii grows in wet tropics at elevations up to 1300 m.a.s.l. but in Kenya has been grown
in areas with elevation of 2070 m.a.s.l and annual rainfall of 954 mm and mean annual
temperature of 16°C
Soil:
In Myanmar, the species is frequently found on limestone, but it also grows well on well-
drained. In Kenya the species is grown on loamy soils.

INBAR Working Paper
41
Propagation:
The flowering cycle in D. brandisii is 40–50 years and the seed weight is 100 seeds/gram
(Viswanath et al., 2013). Germination of up to 90 % is obtained within 90 days of collection
(Viswanath et al., 2013).
Seedling macroproliferation is feasible at six-month intervals. Clonal propagation through
rhizome offsets and culm cutting, treated with hormones, are used routinely for propagation.
(Somen et al.,2011). Rhizomatous branch cuttings have a success rate of 70 % (Somen et al.,
2011). Tissue culture through axillary bud proliferation (Mukunthakumar et al., 1999; Chetan,
2012; Muralidharan and Seethalakshmi, 2017) and through somatic embryogenesis
(Vongvijitra, 1988; Nadgauda et al., 1990; Zamora, 1994; Muralidharan and Seethalakshmi,
2017) has been reported.
Cultivation:
Planting in block plantations, and agroforestry is done at spacing of 5x5 m, 6x6 and 6x10 m
(Viswanath et al., 2013). Intercropping with ginger can be practiced in agroforestry (Viswanath
et al., 2007).
Productivity:
Annual fresh culms/clump: 2 (third year) to 10+ (eighth year) up to 40 Viswanath et al., 2007);
Annual shoot production is 19.32−23.57 t/ha (Maoyi, 2007).
Uses:
Traditional use of the species is for handicraft, weaving, whole culms in construction. The
species is very much preferred for edible shoots. Industrial uses are for laminated bamboo,
strand woven board, paper pulp, composite fiber, edible shoots.

INBAR Working Paper
42
Figure 8. Dendrocalamus brandisii: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot;
d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface

INBAR Working Paper
43
4.9. Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Sinocalamus giganteus (Munro) Keng f., Bambusa gigantea Wall.
Common names (Language/Area in parentheses):
Giant bamboo (English); Maipo, Bhalo bans, Mari bol, Sadiya kako (India) (Haridasan and
Tiwari, 2008); Bambu sembilang (Indonesia); Buloh betong, Bambu sembilang (Malaysia);
Wabo, Ban (Myanmar); Russey prey (Cambodia); Po’ (Laos); Phai-po, Phai-pok (Thailand);
M[aj]nh t[oo]ng to (Viet Nam).
Description:
D. giganteus is among the largest of all bamboos. The species has short-necked pachymorph
rhizomes and culms that reach heights of 24–30 m and diameters of 20–30 cm. The wall
thickness is 2–3 cm and the internodal length is 35–45 cm (Sint, Hapla and Myint, 2008). The
nodes are flat, with branching on upper nodes only(Figure-9).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
India (West Bengal) to China (Yunnan)
Indian Subcontinent: Assam, Eastern Himalayas, India
China: South Central China
Indo-China: Laos, Myanmar
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Indian Subcontinent: Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka
Western Indian Ocean: Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles
Eastern Asia: China
Indo-China: Cambodia, Thailand, Viet Nam)
Malesia: Jawa, Malaya, Sumatera
Caribbean: Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago)
Western South America: Ecuador
In Kenya it is cultivated in Kiambu-Muguga in experimental plots (AEZ-LH3); in private
farms in Muranga-Gatanga (AEZ –UM1) and Migori-Kehancha (AEZ-LM2).

INBAR Working Paper
44
Climatic parameters:
The species grows up to an altitude1200 m. It prefers locations with low hills and valleys
having moisture and organic matter (Banik, 2016). In Kenya it is cultivated at elevations from
1504 – 2076 m.a.s.l. and in locations with annual rainfall between 954 mm and 1800 mm
and temperature of 16-22° C.
Soil:
The species prefers rich alluvial soils (Banik, 2016). In Kenya the species is grown in Loam
and sandy clay.
Propagation:
The species has a flowering cycle (gregarious) of 30–60 years (Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995;
Kumari and Singh, 2014), but sporadic flowering or part flowering is common. The seed weight
(number in 1 g) is 20 and 60–75%. germination is obtained in 3–7 days (Banik, 2016).
Seedling macro proliferation is feasible about six months after transplanting in nursery beds
or containers. Rhizome offsets are successful but not very practical because of the large size
of the culm and rhizomes. Culm cuttings have been used successfully (20–40%) to produce
rooted plants in 60–70 days; the mid-culm nodes were found to be best, whereas branch
cuttings give 60–70% rooting in 45–55 days (Banik, 2008). Tissue cultures through axillary
bud proliferation (Ramanayake et al, 2008; Arya et al, 2006) and organogenesis (Ramanayake
and Wanniarachchi, 2003) have been successfully reported.
Cultivation:
Plantation in block plantations with spacing of 10 × 10 m, sometimes mixed with Teak.
Productivity:
Dransfield and Widjaja (1995) reported 200 culms and 200 young shoots/ha per year.
Uses:
Traditional uses: handicrafts, culms for construction, wall, ceiling, and floorboards (flattened
culms); edible shoots (edible portion about 33%, or 550 g), furniture, ornamental
(landscaping), and water pipes. Culm sheaths are made into hats. Industrial uses: laminated
bamboo and paper pulp. There is good potential for flooring tiles and disposable plates from
the culm sheath.

INBAR Working Paper
45
Figure 9. Dendrocalamus giganteus: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot;
d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface

INBAR Working Paper
46
4.10. Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees & Arn. ex Munro
Subspecies/varieties/clones:
Dendrocalamus hamiltonii var. edulis Munro; Dendrocalamus hamiltonii var. hamiltonii.;
Dendrocalamus hamiltonii var. undulatus Stapleton.
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Sinocalamus hamiltonii (Nees & Arn. ex Munro) T.Q. Nguyen.
Common names (Language/Area in parentheses):
Kako, Fonay, Pecha, Taqma, Unep, Wanoke, Pao, Phulrua, Maggar (India); Vupa, Yiza,
Watsa, Duling, Apo Khoguo, Hepai, Chentsu, Aghakhaub, Ratho, Apibo, Muyipru, Remhuh,
Luhg, Woa, Talua, Waeng, Hepai, Vongnyu (Nagaland, India); Tama, Choya bans (Nepal);
Phai-nual-yai, Pai-hok (North, Thailand); Waa-klu (Karen, Thailand); Manh tong nua (Viet
Nam); Ko hoe, Hôk (Laos).
Description:
A large, evergreen bamboo with short-necked pachymorph rhizomes. Culms are erect but
slightly zigzag in appearance, with drooping (pendulous) tops that attain a height of 12–24 m
(Naithani, 2011). The wall thickness is 1.2–2 mm and the internodal length is 30–50 cm. Stout
branches grow from the base (Naithani, 2011) of the culm(Figure-10).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
Nepal to China (Yunnan) and Indo-China
China: China: South Central China
Indian Subcontinent: Assam, Bangladesh, Eastern Himalayas, Nepal
Indo-China: Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Indo-China: Cambodia
In Kenya it is cultivated in experimental plots in Kiambu-Muguga (AEZ-LH3) and in private
farms in Busia (AEZ-LM1)

INBAR Working Paper
47
Climatic parameters:
The species grows in areas with annual mean temperature above 16°C with 900–2000 mm
annual rainfall and about 70% annual mean relative humidity (Zhan et al, 2016). It is found at
elevations of 300–2000 m (Das, 1990). In Kenya the species is cultivated in loamy and clayey
soils with sand, at elevations from 1227 to 2070 m.a.s.l and annual rainfall between 954-1600
mm and mean annual temp between 16-22°C .
Native habitat:
The species is found in upland areas with moist fertile soil, especially in hilly, semi-evergreen
to evergreen forests. It commonly occurs along banks of streams and in valleys, often forming
dense thickets, in evergreen and moist forests (Banik, 2016). The species seems to be a light
demander and is rarely seen under the tree canopy. It does not tolerate biotic interference
(Banik, 2016).
Propagation:
The flowering cycle is reported to be 30–40 years (Kumari and Singh, 2014), and the seed
weight (Number in 1 g) is 26.4 (Kumari and Singh, 2014). Germination of 80-85% seeds occur
in 3–7 days. Viability only lasts for up to 25 days without proper storage.
Clonal propagation through seedling macro proliferation is feasible (Kumari and Singh, 2014).
Rhizome offsets are 60–70% successful for propagation (Banik, 2016). Culm cuttings (70–
80%) and branch cuttings (70–75%) give good results, as do pre-rooted and pre-rhizomed
branches from 1½–2-year-old culms (Banik, 2008; Banik, 2016). Propagation has been
demonstrated through axillary bud proliferation (Arya, Kaur and Arya, 2012; Sood et al, 2002;
Agnihotri and Nandi, 2009) and somatic embryogenesis (Godbole et al, 2002).
Cultivation:
The species is suitable for block planting and riverside planting. A spacing of 4 × 4 m (Banik,
2016) is ideal. Intercropping with Turmeric has been successful (Banik, 2016). The species
takes 3–5 years to mature when established from rhizomes.
Productivity:
Above Ground Biomass (AGB) of 71.76 Kg/Clump has been reported by Alemeyhu et al
(2015).

INBAR Working Paper
48
Uses:
Traditional uses: handicrafts, culm for construction, incense sticks, and as a preferred species
for edible shoots (Banik, 2008), windbreaks in tea plantations (Naithani, 2011), pickled leaves
(Pal, 1984), and fodder. Industrial uses: paper pulp (Naithani, 2011; Zhan et al, 2016). It has
the potential for bioenergy, biorefinery, and engineered bamboo. The species plays an
important role in its natural habitat as a source of food for wild animals. It is adapted to hilly
slopes and can play a role in stabilizing soil and preventing landslips.

INBAR Working Paper
49
Figure 10. Dendrocalamus hamiltonii: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New
shoot; d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface

INBAR Working Paper
50
4.11. Dendrocalamus membranaceus Munro
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Bambusa membranacea (Munro) Stapleton & N.H. Xia, Dendrocalamus longifimbriatus
Gamble, Sinocalamus longifimbriatus (Gamble) T. Q. Nguyen, Oxytenanthera lacei Gamble,
Dendrocalamus membranaceus f. fimbriligulatus Hsueh & D.Z.Li, Dendrocalamus
membranaceus f. pilosus Hsueh & D.Z.Li, Dendrocalamus membranaceus f. striatus Hsueh &
D.Z.Li.
Description:
A large, evergreen clumping bamboo with short-necked pachymorph rhizomes and culms that
reach a height of 8–25 m (Flora of China, 2006; Durai and Long, 2019). The culm diameter is
7–12 cm and the internode length is 34–42 cm (Flora of China, 2006; Durai and Long, 2019).
Branching occurs from base to top, and the nodes are not prominent (Flora of China, 2006).
Culm sheaths are deciduous, initially orange-green, elliptical to oblong, usually longer than
the internodes, papery, margins ciliate; auricles are small; oral setae are short; the ligule is 8–
10 mm, serrulate; and the blade is reflexed, linear-lanceolate, 30–40 × 2–3 cm. Leaf sheaths
are initially sparsely hairy, becoming glabrous; the ligule is short, serrulate; and the blade is
lanceolate, 12.5–25 × 1.2–2 cm(Figure-11).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
Bangladesh to China (S. Yunnan) and Indo-China
China: China South Central
Indian Subcontinent: Bangladesh
Indo-China: Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam)
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Malesia: Sumatera
Caribbean: Puerto Rico
Indian Subcontinent: Peninsular India
In Kenya it is cultivated in Kilifi-Gede (AEZ-CL4) and in experimental plots in Kiambu-
Muguga (AEZ-LH3).

INBAR Working Paper
51
Climatic parameters:
D. membranaceus is found growing in the temperature range of 22–33°C (Durai and Long,
2019) in areas with precipitation of 1000 mm (Durai and Long, 2019). The preferred altitude
for the species is 1150 m, but it is found growing from 50–1400 m (Durai and Long, 2019). In
Kenya the species is cultivated in the low 25-85 m.a.s.l. as well as high elevations (2070
m.a.s.l.) in locations with annual rainfall ranging from 927 to 1059 mm and mean annual
temperature from 16-27°C
Soil:
The species prefers a moist laterite or black limestone soil, but plants can tolerate arid and
barren conditions (Seethalakshmi and Muktesh Kumar, 1998. It grows in light (sandy), medium
(loamy), and heavy (clay) soils, preferring well-drained soil but can grow in nutritionally poor
soil with mildly acid, neutral, and basic (mildly alkaline) pH values. In Kenya the species is
cultivated in sandy and loamy soils.
Native habitat:
The species is found in river valleys, in hilly forested areas (Flora of China, 2006), or in mixed
deciduous or monsoon forests (Durai and Long, 2019) as pure bamboo forest or mixed with
broad-leaved trees in China.
Propagation:
The flowering cycle is 19–20 years, and germination of 38% is obtained (Seethalakshmi and
Muktesh Kumar, 2002). Rhizome offsets, as well as culm and branch cuttings, are reported to
be successful (Durai and Long, 2019). Micropropagation through axillary bud proliferation has
been reported by Arya et al (2002).
Cultivation:
In agroforestry block plantations, spacing of 5 × 5 m is adopted.
Productivity:
A total of 6250 culms/ha has been reported by Komiya et al (2001) and an Above Ground
Biomass (AGB) of 21.3 Mg ha-1 was reported by Yuen, Fung and Ziegler (2017).

INBAR Working Paper
52
Uses:
Traditional uses: construction (Yang et al, 2012; Durai and Long, 2019), edible shoots (Yang
et al, 2012; Durai and Long, 2019), furniture (Yang et al, 2012). Industrial uses: laminated
bamboo (Durai and Long, 2019), paper pulp (Yang et al, 2012; Durai and Long, 2019), fiber
board, and chopsticks. The potential is high for bioenergy plantations and biorefinery.

INBAR Working Paper
53
Figure 11. Dendrocalamus membranaceus: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New
shoot; d) Culm sheath; e) Culm surface

INBAR Working Paper
54
4.12. Dendrocalamus strictus (Roxb.) Nees
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Bambos stricta Roxb., Nastus strictus (Roxb.) Sm., Bambusa stricta (Roxb.) Roxb., Bambusa
tanaea Buch.-Ham. ex Wall., Bambusa pubescens Lodd. ex Lindl., Arundo hexandra Roxb.
ex Munro, Bambusa glomerata Royle ex Munro, Bambusa hexandra Roxb. ex Munro,
Bambusa verticillata Rottler ex Munro, Bambusa stricta var. argentea Rivière, Dendrocalamus
strictus var. prainianus Gamble, Dendrocalamus prainiana Varmah & Bahadur.
Common names (Language/Area in parentheses):
Latare, Katli, Lathi, Dominee, Salia bauns, Tursing, Karka, Nakur bans, Kiri bidiru, Narvel,
Kalmungil, Kallumula, Sadanapa Veduru, Karali, Lathi bans, Karail (India); Lathi (Nepal);
Hmyin-wa (Myanmar); Bambu batu (Indonesia) (Banik, 2016); Kirok, Oham Nget, Tephrie rie
(Nagaland) (Naithani, 2011).
Subspecies/varieties/clones:
Three ecotypes, common, large, and Karka, are found in India. The common ecotype is
medium-sized and has dense clumps with solid culms. The large ecotype (Dominee bans in
Bihar and Nadugani form in Kerala) has loose clumps; its straight culms have smooth
internodes. Karka is a dwarf ecotype found in Madhya Pradesh.
Description:
Dendrocalamus strictus is a densely tufted, deciduous sympodial bamboo with short-necked
pachymorph rhizomes. The culms grow to a height of 6–15 m (Naithani, 2011) and in some
areas up to 20 m (Benton, 2015). It attains a culm diameter of 2.5 to 7 cm (Naithani, 2011).
The most common ecotypes have solid culms. Internode lengths are 30–40 cm, with the fifth-
to-sixth internode being the longest (Naithani, 2011). Culms are slightly zigzag at times, nodes
are slightly prominent, and branching is seen from base to mid-culm(Figure-12).
Culm sheaths are deciduous, orange-brown, about 3/4 as long as the internodes, thickly
papery, margins ciliate, apex rounded; auricles are absent; the ligule is 1–3 mm, serrulate; the
blade is erect, narrowly triangular. Leaf sheaths are initially sparsely hairy, becoming glabrous;
the ligule is short, serrulate; the blade is usually narrowly lanceolate, 5–30 × 1–3 cm.

INBAR Working Paper
55
Distribution:
A. Native range:
Indian Subcontinent: Assam, India, Nepal, Pakistan, West Himalaya
Indo-China: Andamans, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
West tropical Africa: Togo
Western Indian Ocean: Madagascar, Seychelles
China: China Southeast
Malesia: Jawa, Malaya
Southwestern Pacific: New Caledonia
Central America: Honduras
Caribbean: Bahamas, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Trinidad and Tobago, Windward Islands
Brazil: Brazil Southeast
In Kenya it is cultivation in experimental plot at Kilifi-Jilore (AEZ-CL4) and in priovate
farmland in Migori-Kehancha (AEZ-LM2)
Climatic parameters:
The optimum mean temperature for the species is 20–30°C, but it can withstand extremes as
low as −5°C and as high as 45°C (Banik, 2016). Mature plants are frost hardy, but young and
tender culms are affected. The optimum annual rainfall is 1000–3000 mm, with 300 mm per
month during the growing season. The species can also tolerate abnormal drought conditions
(Banik, 2016).
Soil:
The species prefers well-drained soil, sandy loams, and hilly ground. It grows on loamy sand
in Punjab, India (Singh et al, 2018) with reported soil pH values of 5.5–7.5 (Banik, 2016), 8.2–
8.4 (Singh et al, 2018), and (under cultivation in Thrissur, Kerala, India) 5.8–6.1 (Kittur et al,
2016). It is cultivated in Kenya in sandy and sandy clay soils at low and medium elevations
(25 to 1504 m.a.s.l) at locations with annual rainfall of 927 -1400 mm and mean annual temp
22-27°C
Native habitat:
D. strictus is common in dry deciduous forests and areas with low rainfall in many parts of
India, Myanmar, and Thailand. The ecotype with tall, erect, hollow culms (Dominee bans in

INBAR Working Paper
56
Bihar and Nadugani form in Kerala) is found in moist areas. Karka, a dwarf type, is found in
Madhya Pradesh, India. The species is associated with Teak in many locations in India.
Propagation:
The species flowers gregariously with an estimated 25–45-year cycle (Kumari and Singh,
2014), but sporadic flowering is more common. Seed weight is 51.5 seeds to 1 g (Kumari and
Singh, 2014). Under normal storage, seed viability lasts only 30–35 days after collection
(Banik, 2016), but 59% germination was obtained after 34 months of storing at 3–5°C after
reduction of its moisture content to 8% (Varmah and Bahadur, 1980).
Clonal propagation is possible through seedling macro proliferation (Banik, 1987), rhizome
offsets, culm cuttings, branch cuttings, and air layering (Banik, 1995; Benton, 2015). Tissue
culture propagation has been reported through axillary bud proliferation (Chaturvedi, Sharma
and Sharma, 1993; Ravikumar et al, 1998) and somatic embryogenesis (Saxena and Dhawan,
1999; Reddy, 2006).
Surveys, collections of germplasm accessions, and selections of superior genotypes have
been carried out by ICFRE, India (Ginwal, 2021). The tall, hollow ecotype from moist areas
has not been popular in plantations.
Cultivation:
Block plantations with spacings of 4 × 4, 3 × 4 m (Long and Durai, 2019), 1 × 1 m, 1.8 × 1.8
m, and 3 × 3 m (Patil, Mutanal and Shahapurmath, 2008) have been established. Interplanting
leguminous crops, turmeric, ginger, and vegetables for the first three years is feasible. Dev et
al (2020) found that intercrops with Sesame and Chickpea gave better culm yield at 10 × 12
m and 10 × 10 m respectively. The shooting season is from May to September, and shoots
take two years to mature.
Productivity:
Singh et al (2004) reported an annual Above Ground Biomass of 91.35–103.70 Mg ha−1.
Uses:
Traditional uses: handicrafts, construction, household implements, tool handles, ladders,
fencing and partitions, walking sticks, and batons. Industrial uses: paper pulp and charcoal.

INBAR Working Paper
57
The potential for bioenergy, biorefinery, and ecorestoration is high in low rainfall areas. It is
used for weaving baskets in Kenya.
Figure 12. Dendrocalamus strictus: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d)
Culm sheath; e) Culm surface

INBAR Working Paper
58
4.13. Phyllostachys aurea (André) Rivière & C. Rivière
Subspecies/varieties/clones:
Phyllostachys bambusoides var. aurea (André) Makino, Phyllostachys reticulata var. aurea
(André) Makino, Sinarundinaria reticulata var. aurea (André), Phyllostachys meyeri var. aurea
(André) Pilip., Phyllostachys puberula var. flavescensinversa J.Houz., Phyllostachys aurea
var. flavescensinversa (J.Houz.) Nakai, Phyllostachys aurea f. flavescensinversa (J.Houz.)
Muroi, Phyllostachys bambusoides f. alternatolutescens I.Tsuboi, Phyllostachys reticulata f.
alternatolutescens (I.Tsuboi), Phyllostachys aurea f. alternatolutescens (I.Tsuboi) Makino &
Nemoto, Phyllostachys bambusoides f. albovariegata Makino, Phyllostachys reticulata f.
albovariegata (Makino) Makino & Nemoto, Phyllostachys aurea f. albovariegata (Makino).
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Bambos koteisik Siebold.; Bambusa koteisik Zoll.; Bambusa aurea André; Phyllostachys
takemurae Muroi in J. Sugimoto; Phyllostachys breviligula W.T.Lin & Z.M.Wu; Phyllostachys
formosana Hayata.
Common names (Language/area in parentheses):
Golden bamboo, Fish-pole bamboo, Stick bamboo, Yellow bamboo, Castillon bamboo, Hardy
timber bamboo, Madake, Giant timber bamboo, Japanese timber bamboo; Fairyland bamboo
(Australia); Monk’s belly bamboo (English); Hotei-chiku; Pring uncue (Indonesia).
Description:
A loosely clumping bamboo with long-necked leptomorph rhizomes. The culms attain a height
of 2.5–12 m and a diameter of 1.0–5 cm, with a wall thickness of 2–8 mm. The internodes are
8–20 cm long, sulcate, with branches that are borne at the middle of the culm with unequal
thickness. Nodes are prominent, with a white powdery wax below, and the lower ones are
often irregularly short and swollen, while the upper ones are distal and horizontal. Branches
occur in uneven pairs with sulcus. The stems and branches of P. aurea are green when they
are young and turn golden yellow at maturity(Figure-13).
Culm sheaths are yellow-green or pale red-brown, becoming straw-colored, with variably sized
brown spots, base edged with white pubescence; auricles and oral setae are absent; the ligule
is yellow-green, truncate, or weakly convex at the apex, very short (1–2 mm), margin longer,
pale green, and ciliate; the blade is reflexed, green, with yellow margins, linear, and flat or
crinkled in upper sheaths.

INBAR Working Paper
59
There are some cultivars of P. aurea, such as P. aurea ‘Flavescens Inversa’ (lower culms with
a pale yellow stripe on the sulcus), P. aurea ‘Holochrysa’ with the common name “golden
golden” (culms turn yellow/gold sooner than the type form and random leaves have a yellow
stripe), P. aurea ‘Koi’ (culms turn yellow, but sulcus stays green and random leaves have a
yellow stripe), and P. aurea ‘Takemurai’ (culms grow taller and lack the compressed
internodes of the type form).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
China (Fujian, Zhejiang) to Vietnam
China: China Southeast
Indo-China: Viet Nam
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Southwestern Europe: Spain
West-Central Tropical Africa: Cameroon
Caucasus: Transcaucasus
Indian Subcontinent: East Himalaya
Malesia: Jawa, Lesser Sunda Islands, Sumatera
Australia: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia
New Zealand: Kermadec Islands, New Zealand North
Northwestern U.S.A.: Oregon
Southwestern U.S.A.: California
South-Central U.S.A.: Texas
Southeastern U.S.A.: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland,
Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia
Mexico: Mexico Central, Mexico Northeast
Central America: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua
Western South America: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Brazil: Brazil West-Central, Brazil Southeast, Brazil South
In Kenya it is cultivated in private farms in Muranga-Gatanga (AEZ-UM1)
Climatic parameters:
P. aurea tolerates a wide range of temperatures of −15–26°C and sometimes as low as −20°C
(Rickel and Rojas-Sandoval, 2017). This species grows at elevations of 700–2000 m with

INBAR Working Paper
60
annual precipitation of 1000 mm (Rickel and Rojas-Sandoval, 2017). In Kenya it is cultivated
at elevation of 2056 m.a.s.l with mean annual rainfall 1600-1800mm, mean annual
temperature of 18-19 °C.
Soil:
Sandy soils with drainage and rich nutrients are optimum for the wild growth of this species.
P. aurea cannot withstand waterlogged conditions (Rickel and Rojas-Sandoval, 2017). In
Kenya the species is grown in loamy soils.
Native habitat:
The species grows along stream edges in riparian corridors (Rickel and Rojas-Sandoval,
2017).
Propagation:
No seed setting has been reported in the species. Clonal propagation is undertaken through
rhizome offsets. Clump parts, 0.5–1.0 m long and with a rhizome and roots, are also commonly
used for large-scale planting with 100% success (Roxas, 2012). Tissue culture propagation
through somatic embryogenesis has been found to be successful with this species (Huang
and Huang, 1993). This species has been reported as invasive in many countries (Rickel and
Rojas-Sandoval, 2017).
Uses:
Traditional uses: handicrafts, weaving, bamboo pipes, walking sticks, and umbrella and fan
handles. It is a popular garden ornamental and hedge plant. Industrial uses: charcoal,
briquettes, and pellets for bioenergy. There is potential for cultivation in degraded lands for
restoration and carbon sequestration. In Kenya, the species is a popular ornamental plant.

INBAR Working Paper
61
Figure 13. Phyllostachys aurea: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot; d)
Culm sheath

INBAR Working Paper
62
4.14. Thyrsostachys siamensis Gamble
Synonyms (Vorontsova et al., 2016):
Arundinaria siamensis Kurz, Arundarbor regia (Thomson ex Munro) Kuntze, Bambusa
siamensis Kurz ex Munro, Thyrsostachys regia (Thomson ex Munro) Bennet, Bambusa regia
(Munro, 1868).
Common names: (Language/Area in parentheses):
Pai ruak (Thai); Monastery bamboo, Umbrella-handled bamboo, Thai bamboo (English);
Shamu dake (Japanese); Bambu jepang, Bambu payung (Indonesian); Tam vong (Vietnam);
Tiyowa, Kyaung-wa (Myanmar).
Description:
A tightly clustered bamboo with short-necked pachymorph rhizomes. The culms attain a height
of 8–16 m (Narasimhamurthy et al., 2013) and are mostly erect or gently arching with weeping
tops. The diameter of the adult culm is 3–8 cm (Benton et al, 2011), with an average of 3.51
cm (Sompoh et al, 2013). The culms are solid at the base but with average wall thickness 8.89
mm at the top (Sompoh et al, 2013). The internodes of the species are 15–38 cm long (Benton
et al., 2011; Narasimhamurthy et al., 2013), mostly protected with persistent old culm sheaths.
Branches grow from mid-culm nodes upwards with a dominant primary branch of 17–87 cm
(Roxas, 2012) and several smaller branches without spines. Nodes have a permanent sheath
scar but are free of aerial roots and nodal ridges(Figure-14).
Distribution:
A. Native range:
China (S. Yunnan) to Indo-China
China: China South Central
Indo-China: Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Viet Nam
B. In cultivation/naturalized in:
Indian Subcontinent: Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
Malesia: Malaya
In Kenya it is cultivated in the experimental plot in Kilifi-Gede, Jilore (AEZ-CL4).

INBAR Working Paper
63
Climatic parameters:
This species prefers an altitude of 300–1000 m with annual precipitation of 1000–2000 mm
and a temperature of 20–30°C. In Kenya it is cultivated in locations at elevations between 25-
85 m.a.s.l and with annual rainfall 927 -1059 mm and mean annual temperature of 27 °C
Soil:
T. siamensis grows well in a wide range of soils, especially sandy to clay loams, provided they
are not waterlogged. In Kenya, it is cultivated in sandy soils,
Native habitat:
This species grows abundantly in open plains, slopes, and valleys and under the canopy in
dry, mixed deciduous or semi-evergreen forests.
Propagation:
Sporadic and gregarious flowering cycles have been reported in this species. The number of
seeds per gram varies widely from 10–82 and so is the germination potential which varies
from 7–86%, with the bigger seeds germinating better (Banik, 2016).
Clonal propagation with rhizomes of one-year-old culms has been found to be very successful
in this species (Banik 2016). Culm cuttings with 2–3 nodal buds and branch cuttings with
hormone treatment were reported as successful by Banik (2016). Propagation through tissue
culture was also reported to be successful through axillary bud proliferation (Banik, Islam and
Hadiuzzaman (1993), as was somatic embryogenesis (Obsuwan, Duangmanee and
Thepsithar, 2019).
Cultivation:
The species is ideal for closely spaced strip plantations along roadsides in 2–3 rows (Banik,
2016), and a spacing of 4 × 4 m is suitable for block plantations (Benton et al, 2011).
Intercropping with timber trees, such as Teak, is also promising (Dransfield and Widjaja,
1995).
Productivity:
An average of 28 culms per clump were obtained from a seed-raised three-year-old plantation
(Dransfield and Widjaja, 1995) and Scurlock, Dayton and Hames (2000) reported a production

INBAR Working Paper
64
of 1500 culms/ha. Production rates of 11–54 t ha−1 (Scurlock, Dayton and Hames, 2000) and
26.98 (culm) t ha−1 (Chaiyo, Garivait and Wanthongchai, 2011) have been reported.
Uses:
Traditional uses of the species are for handicrafts, construction, baskets, chopsticks, umbrella
and broom handles, fishing rods, ornamental plants and windbreaks. It is a preferred species
for edible shoots. Industrial uses include manufacture of laminates, paper pulp, charcoal, and
fuel. In Kenya the species is used as props.

INBAR Working Paper
65
Figure 14. Thyrsostachys siamensis: a) Clump habit; b) Culms and branches; c) New shoot;
d) Culm sheath

INBAR Working Paper
66
5. Identification of bamboos based on vegetative
morphological characteristics
Identification of bamboo species in the field and in nurseries is generally considered difficult
because of the limitations imposed by the lack of reproductive structures for most of their
lifecycles. The taxonomy of grasses relies greatly on flowers, so bamboos, mostly not in
flower, have largely been ignored by botanical collectors. Preparation of herbarium specimens
is also difficult due to the large size of the culm, culm sheath, and inflorescence. Therefore,
the identification of bamboo species in the field often has to be based on the morphology of
the culm and the sheath. Field identification is further compounded by the rapid dehiscence,
in many species, of the culm sheaths, which are of taxonomic importance. Many of the
characteristics vary with the age of the culm and its sheath, from the bottom of the culm to the
top.
Additional information, such as the natural habitat of native species and the history of
introduction of exotic species, is useful in narrowing down the list to those likely to be present
in the particular region. The morphological key to the identification of the bamboos of Kenya,
given below, is based on morphological variations observed in the introductions of exotic
bamboo species into the country and may therefore not be suitable for identification in other
regions, where additional species might be present. For a wider set of species, the reader is
advised to refer to the taxonomic keys available in the literature.
It should also be noted that intraspecies variation within each species is particularly
significant, as is the proclivity to show variation when grown under different climatic
conditions. Variations in culm diameter and color are commonly influenced by the prevailing
conditions at the site.
5.1. Morphological characteristics of taxonomic importance
Traditionally, reproductive structures have played an important role in plant taxonomy, and
description of the flower parts is considered essential to describe a new species. Because
bamboos are perennials with long lifecycles and are mostly semelparous (having a single
lifetime flowering event), the difficulty commonly encountered in identifying bamboo species
in the field is the dependence on vegetative characteristics. The most important vegetative
features are listed below.

INBAR Working Paper
67
 Culm sheath: The shapes of various parts of the culm sheath are very useful for
species identification. The features to be noted are the ligule, auricle, and blade. The
persistence of the sheath on the culm and the nature of appendages, such as hairs
and cilia, are useful to characterize the species.
 The emerging shoot: The morphology and color of the new shoot as it elongates to its
final size are characteristics of the species.
 The nodal region on the culm: This also offers several features of taxonomic
importance, such as the presence of rings of hair above or below and the presence or
absence of a prominent nodal ridge.
 The nature of the rhizome: The type (leptomorph or pachymorph) and length of the
rhizome neck are distinguishing features.
 The surface of the culm: The presence or absence of hairs or of a waxy bloom are
characteristics of the species, as is the color.
The culm node in bamboo is characterized by the presence of a scar at the point of attachment
of the culm sheath. A supranodal ridge (a nodal ridge above the sheath scar) may be
prominent in some species. Culm sheaths are found on new culms and either fall off as the
culms elongate or remain in place, but degrade gradually over months. The size and shape of
the parts of the culm sheath are important taxonomic features. The ear-like auricles on the
two sides at the point of attachment of the blade and the shape and position of the blade with
respect to the sheath body (erect, reflexed, or pendulous) are also important. The color and
texture of the culm surface, especially of young culms, are often characteristic of the species.
A waxy bloom, downy hairs, or smooth surfaces are easily observed features that help identify
the species. Branches are alternately arranged in culms, and the number of branches is of
taxonomic significance.

INBAR Working Paper
68
Figure 15. Parts of the culm sheath
5.2. Morphological identification keys for the bamboos of Kenya
1.
A. Rhizome leptomorph (thinner than culm diameter and running horizontally). Culms
solitary or in clusters separated from each other ······················ Phyllostachys aurea
B. Rhizome pachymorph (thicker than culms). Culms clumping together loosely or
tightly ······································································································ 2
2.
A. Culms with spiny branches ·········································································· 3
B. Culms without spiny branches ······································································ 4
3.
A. With white ring above node ··················································· Bambusa bambos
B. Without white ring above node ···························· Bambusa spinosa (B. blumeana)
4.
A. Culms with persistent sheaths, densely clustered ·············· Thyrsostachys siamensis
B. Culms without persistent sheaths ·································································· 5
5.
A. Young culms with white waxy bloom ······························································ 6

INBAR Working Paper
69
B. Young culms without bloom ·········································································· 7
6.
A. Large-diameter hollow culms. Culm sheath 40–45 cm long and 50–55 cm wide at
base, ligule serrate in the middle ·································· Dendrocalamus giganteus
B. Medium to small diameter culms ··································································· 8
7.
A. Small diameter culms with rough, bright green surface, small leaves; culm sheath
auricles very small or inconspicuous ······································ Bambusa multiplex
B. Medium to large size culms ·········································································· 9
8.
A. Culms solid at lower and middle internodes, sheath blade erect ······· Dendrocalamus
strictus
B. Culms hollow, culm blade reflexed ······················· Dendrocalamus membranaceus
9.
A. Prominent white ring above and below node ··················· Dendrocalamus hamiltonii
B. White rings not present above node ····························································· 10
10.
A. Brownish-grey tomentose culms (lower nodes with rootlets, large
leaves) ········································································ Dendrocalamus asper
B. Culm with smooth surface, green or yellow striped with green ···························· 11
11.
A. Culm sheath auricles unequal ····································································· 12
B. Culm sheath auricles equal, 0.8–1 cm, sheath with stiff, dark brown hairs; leaf blade
abaxially glabrous, blade apex involute (rolled) and with acuminate tip ······· Bambusa
vulgaris
12.
A. Culm sheath cup-shaped; blades reflexed; culm sheaths with pale brown or white
silky hairs ····································································· Bambusa polymorpha
B. Enlarged blades and large unequal auricles; culm sheaths broadly triangular, length
less than 1/2 basal width, apex very broadly arched-convex or subtruncate; auricles ±
horizontal ·············································································· Bambusa tulda

INBAR Working Paper
70
6. Matching bamboo species with AEZs
Bamboos, as a group, are unique in their ability to adapt to a wide range of climatic and soil
conditions. Other than regions with extremes of temperature and moisture, bamboo can
survive, contribute to establishing green cover, and improve the soil. To maximize productivity
and bring optimum returns to bamboo cultivators, it is essential that the choice of species is
based on their growth performance under specific conditions and matched to the site.
The most important of the climatic factors that influence the survival and growth of bamboo is
the temperature range, which is in turn influenced by the latitude and altitude of the location.
Productivity is greatly influenced by the availability of moisture. In many of the sites visited,
the bamboo clumps’ growth was affected by a lack of management, which had resulted in
congestion and a decline in culm quantity and quality.
Plantations of bamboo are established with commercial or environmental objectives.
Productivity and quality of bamboo culms in terms of length, diameter, straightness, and wall
thickness are of prime concern, both from the point of view of better economic returns to the
grower and of quality raw material for industries. Commercial plantations would therefore be
considered in situations where scientific management of the clumps is feasible to varying
degrees to ensure survival and optimum productivity. Competing land uses would result in
marginal or degraded sites being preferred for planting, necessitating management
interventions that would include soil working, irrigation, mulching, and fertilization.
In the absence of well laid out field trials of bamboo species, decision making on appropriate
species is limited to the observations made in species trials where the sample size is small
and microclimatic conditions are not representative of the AEZ. Information from the literature
on the performance of the species in similar climatic areas in other countries is the next best
guide to decision making. An allowance for improved growth performance under a better
management regime is considered when the suitability of different species is recommended.
It should also be remembered that, because the choice of exotic bamboo species introduced
to Kenya was not based on any systematic criteria, several other species with potential are
missing. Future plantation programs will benefit from species trials with a broader set of
bamboo species, whose choice will be based on similarities in climatic parameters. The recent
INBAR publication, Global Priority Species of Economically Important Bamboo (Muralidharan
and Sankar, 2023), is a useful guide to the selection of promising species because it takes the
potential for commercial exploitation into consideration.

INBAR Working Paper
71
The recommendations for the suitability of bamboo species in various AEZs, listed below, are
based on firsthand observation of the bamboo species during field visits to different sites in
Kenya and other countries and from information available in the literature, notably INBAR’s A
Bamboo Site–Species Matching Study in Kenya (John et al, 2022).
Table 3. The recommendations for the suitability of bamboo species in various AEZs
Bamboo species
AEZ for which the species is suitable
Bambusa
bambos
Most suitable for Zones CL2–4 and LM1–2 but also UM1–2 and
LH3 up to 1600 m.a.s.l. Regular pruning of thorny branches is
essential to keep clumps in healthy condition.
Bambusa
multiplex
The species is suitable in both lower and higher elevations. Suitable
for LM1–3 and UM1–2
Bambusa
polymorpha
LM1–3, and UM 1–2 from 100 to 1500 m.a.s.l.
Bambusa spinosa
(Syn: B.
blumeana
CL2–4, LM1–3, and UM1–2 from sea level to 2000 m.a.s.l. Regular
pruning of thorny branches is essential to keep clumps in healthy
condition.
Bambusa tulda
LM1–3 and UM1–2 from 100 to 1700 m.a.s.l.
Bambusa vulgaris
This species performs well in most zones, particularly when soil
moisture is not a constraint. Best suited for CL2–4, LM2–3, and
UM1–2 from sea level up to 2000 m.a.s.l. The green variety with
superior properties and durability is to be promoted in preference to
the more common yellow variety.
Dendrocalamus
asper
CL2, LM1–2, and LH3 from sea level to 2000 m.a.s.l.
Dendrocalamus
brandisii
LM1–2, LH3, and UM1–2 from sea level to 2000 m.a.s.l.
Dendrocalamus
giganteus
LM1–2, LH3, UM1–2 (with reliable rainfall) from sea level to 2100
m.a.s.l.
Dendrocalamus
hamiltonii
CL2–4, LM1–2, LH3, and UM2 (with reliable rainfall) from sea level
to 2000 m.a.s.l.
Dendrocalamus
membranaceus
CL2–4, LM1–3, and UM2 from sea level to 1800 m.a.s.l.
Dendrocalamus
strictus
Suited to drier areas. LM 3–5 and CL 2–4 from sea level to 1000
m.a.s.l.
Phyllostachys
aurea
LM1–2, UM1–3, and LH1–3 up to 2100 m.a.s.l.
Thyrsostachys
siamensis
CL2–4 and LM2 from sea level to 2000 m.a.s.l.
It is to be emphasized that the performance of the species in each of the above-recommended
AEZs will depend on the level of management practices adopted, particularly the maintenance
of the optimum culm density in the clumps by timely removal of mature and dead culms. A

INBAR Working Paper
72
common observation during visits to the species trial sites and sometimes in the farmers’ fields
was the lack of any form of clump management, resulting in tightly congested clumps with
crooked and dead culms. A decline in productivity and quality of the culms produced is to be
expected under such conditions, leading to improper conclusions on the suitability of the
species in the location.

INBAR Working Paper
73
7. Potential for value addition in Kenya
No study of the selection of species and its matching to sites is complete without an attempt
to match the species with potential applications. To some extent, cultural practices and
harvesting methods need to be tuned to obtain the best productivity in terms of biomass as
well as in the quality of culms produced.
Construction
Bamboo culms are suitable for environmentally friendly buildings because of their favorable
mechanical properties, especially their high strength-to-weight ratio, flexibility, tensile strength,
fast renewability, and carbon sequestration ability. The aesthetic appeal of bamboo culms is
ideal for ecotourism, disaster relief projects, temporary or semi-permanent kiosks, exhibition
halls, and other purposes.
Furniture
Traditional bamboo furniture is not very significant in Kenya. The involvement of professional
designers will permit furniture that conforms to trends and promotes competitiveness and
access to upmarket clientele.
Edible shoots, beverages, and fodder
Bamboo wine from Oxytenanthera abyssinica has received some attention in the media and
is promising for replicating in Kenya with other species as it encourages farmers to adopt
agroforestry practices. Bamboo leaf tea is another concept that can be borrowed from Asia to
take advantage of the purported nutraceutical benefits. There is good potential for use of
bamboo leaves as fodder, particularly as a supplement to conventional fodder in lean times.
Charcoal
The fast growth and capability of bamboo to capture CO2 means that it is regarded as an
appropriate plant for climate change mitigation efforts. The conversion of biomass to charcoal
for fuel to replace firewood has great implications, mainly because tree felling in the forests is
avoided by the use of rapidly renewable bamboo. Technology for efficient conversion and
quality control, as well as value addition in the form of pellets and briquettes, will add to
Kenya’s economy.
Conversion to activated carbon probably imparts the greatest value addition because it is used
in the manufacture of several high-value products.

INBAR Working Paper
74
Engineered bamboo
A great potential for high biomass volume to be converted into an industrial product is in the
area of engineered bamboo, which is fast becoming a replacement for conventional timber,
steel, and plastic in construction, furniture, and household products. The large-diameter
species with good wall thickness (D. asper, D. giganteus, B. blumeana, and B. vulgaris) are
suitable.
Landscape restoration
Bamboos’ unique combination of features makes them ideal for use as tools for landscape
restoration. They are suitable for quick establishment of green cover, and their profuse root
systems and underground networks of rhizomes prevent soil erosion, help retain water, and
add organic matter to impoverished soils. The multiple uses to which bamboo is put include
the replacement of timber, use as food and fodder, and applications for engineered bamboo,
while as biofuel, bamboos contribute to economic activity and livelihood development.

INBAR Working Paper
75
8. Recommendations
The preliminary assessment of the suitability of native, naturalized, and introduced species in
various locations in Kenya has revealed the potential of some bamboo species for commercial
exploitation. To demonstrate the full potential under proper management practices before
large-scale propagation and establishment of plantations, the following is recommended:
 Introduce new germplasm of the selected exotic species from provenances in the
native region that match the climatic parameters of the selected AEZs of Kenya.
 Establish new demonstration trials to test the effects of spacing and standardize
management practices for different types of bamboo plantations.
 Evaluate agroforestry models appropriate for the dominant agricultural practices in
each AEZ.
 Carry out an extensive evaluation of variation in native species throughout the
distribution range to identify suitable landraces for conservation and commercial
exploitation for specific end uses.
 Standardize large-scale clonal propagation technology for the selected species for
adoption by commercial nurseries.
 Adopt a certification scheme for quality planting materials and nurseries.

INBAR Working Paper
76
References
Agnihotri, R.K. and Nandi, S.K. (2009) ‘In vitro shoot cut: a high frequency multiplication and
rooting method in the bamboo Dendrocalamus hamiltonii’, Biotechnology, 8(2), p259-
263.
Ahlawat, S.P., Haridasan, K. and Hegde, S.N. (2002) Field manual for propagation of bamboo
in North East India, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, India: State Forest Research
Institute.
Alemayehu, A., Mulatu, Y., Eshete N. and Terefe, M. (2015) ‘Growth performance and
biomass accumulation of four introduced bamboo species in south-western Ethiopia’,
Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare, 5(3), p116-122.
Arya, I.D. and Arya, S. (2009) ‘Propagation of bamboos through tissue culture technology and
field plantation’, 8th World Bamboo Congress Proceedings, 6, p132–144.
Arya I.D., Rana P.K., Satsangi R., Muzaffar F.S., Sharma S. and Arya S. (2002) ‘Rapid and
mass multiplication of bamboos through tissue culture techniques’ in Nandi, S.K.,
Palni, L.M.S. and Kumar, G.B. (eds.) Role of Plant Tissue Culture in Biodiversity
Conservation and Economic Development, Nainital: Gyanodaya Prakashan, p29–30.
Arya, I.D., Kaur, B. and Arya, S. (2012) ‘Rapid and mass propagation of economically
important Bamboo Dendrocalamus hamiltonii’, Indian Journal of Energy, 1(1), p11–16.
Arya, S., Rana, P.K., Sharma, R. and Arya, I.D. (2006) ‘Tissue culture technology for
multiplication of Dendrocalamus giganteus Munro’, Indian Forester, 132(3), p345–357.
Banerjee, M., Gantait, S., and Pramanik, B.R. (2011) ‘A two-step method for accelerated mass
propagation of Dendrocalamus asper and their evaluation in field’, Physiology and
Molecular Biology of Plants, 17(4), p387-393.
Banik R.L. (1987) ‘Techniques of bamboo propagation with special reference to pre-rooted
and pre-rhizomed branch cuttings and tissue culture’ in Rao, A.N., Dhanaranjan, G.
and Sastry, C.B. (eds.) Recent research on bamboos, Proceedings of International
Bamboo Workshop, Hangzhou, China, pp. 160–169.
Banik, R.L. (1995) A manual for vegetative propagation of bamboos, INBAR Technical Report
No.6. International Network for Bamboo and Rattan (INBAR) UNDP/FAO Regional
Forest Tree Improvement Project (FORTIP) and Bangladesh Forest Research Institute
(BFRI).
Banik, R.L. (2000) Silviculture and field guide to priority bamboos of Bangladesh and South
Asia. Chittagong: BFRI.
Banik, R.L. (2008) ‘Issues on production of bamboo planting materials—lessons and
strategies’, Indian Forester, 134(3), p291–304.

INBAR Working Paper
77
Banik RL (2015) ‘Growth, behavior and silviculture of Bamboos’, in Kaushik S, Singh YP,
Kumar D, Thapliyal M and Barthwal S (eds.), Bamboos in India. ENVIS Centre on
Forestry, Government of India, ICFRE Dehradun, p27–88.
Banik, R.L. (2016) Silviculture of South Asian priority bamboos. Singapore: Springer.
Banik R.L., Islam S.A.M.N. and Hadiuzzaman. S. (1993) ‘In vitro regeneration of multiple
shoots in three bamboo species’. Plant Tissue Cult., 3(2), p101–106
Benton A. (2015) ‘Priority species of bamboo’ in Liese, W. and Kohl, M. (eds.) Bamboo: the
plant and its use. Cham: Springer, p31–41.
Benton A., Thomson L., Berg P. and Ruskin S. (2011) ‘Farm and forestry production and
marketing profile for bamboo (various species)’ in Elevitch, C.R. (ed.) Specialty crops
for Pacific island agroforestry. Holualoa, Hawaii: Permanent Agriculture Resources
(PAR).
Biswas D., Bose, S. K. and Hossain, M.M. (2011) ‘Physical and mechanical properties of urea
formaldehyde-bonded particleboard made from bamboo waste’. International Journal
of Adhesion and Adhesives, 31(2), p84-87.
Calegari, L., Haselein C.R., Scaravelli, T.L., Santini, É.J., Stangerlin, D.M., Gatto, D.A. and
Trevisan, R. (2007) ‘Desempenho físico-mecânico de painéis fabricados com bambu
(Bambusa vulgaris Schr.) em combinação com madeira’, Cerne, 13(1), p57–63.
Chaiyo, U., Garivait, S. and Wanthongchai, K. (2011) ‘Carbon storage in above-ground
biomass of tropical deciduous forest in Ratchaburi Province, Thailand’, World
Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology, 58, p636–641.
Chaturvedi, H.C., Sharma, M. and Sharma, A.K. (1993) ‘In vitro regeneration of
Dendrocalamus strictus Nees through nodal segment taken from field-grown culms’
Plant Sci., 91, p97–101.
Das A.N. (1990) ‘Bamboo Research in Nepal’ in Ramanuja Rao, I.V.; Gnanaharan, R; Sastry
C.B. (ed.) Bamboos: Current Research. Proceedings of the International Bamboo
Workshop, Cochin, India, 14-18 November 1988, Kerala Forest Research Institute,
Kerala, India and IDRC, Ottawa, Canada, p1-5.
Dev, I., Ram, A., Ahlawat, S.P., Palsaniya, D.R., Singh, R., Dhyani, S, K., Kumar, N., Tewari,
R.K., Singh, M., Babanna, S.K., Newaj, R., Dwivedi, R.P., Kumar, R.V., Yadav, R.S.,
Chand, L., Kumar, D., Prasad, J. (2020) ‘Bamboo-based agroforestry system
(Dendrocalamus strictus + sesame + chickpea) for enhancing productivity in semi-arid
tropics of central India’, Agroforest Syst., 94, p1725–1739.

INBAR Working Paper
78
Devi, A.S. and Singh, K.S. (2021) ‘Carbon storage and sequestration potential in aboveground
biomass of bamboos in North East India’, Scientific Reports, 11, p837.[Online]
Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80887-w, Accessed:29, April, 2023.
Dransfield, S. and Widjaja, E.A. (1995) Bamboos. Plant Resources of South-East Asia, No.7.
Leiden: Backhuys.
Durai, J. and Long, T.T. (2019) Manual for sustainable management of clumping bamboo
forest. INBAR Technical Report No. 41, Beijing, China: The International Bamboo and
Rattan Organization (INBAR) [online]. Available at:
https://resource.inbar.int/upload/file/1578457574.pdf. Accessed:29, April, 2023.
Febrianto, F., Hidayat, W., Bakar, E.S., Kwon, G.J., Kwon, J.H., Hong, S.I. and Kim, N.H.
(2012) ‘Properties of oriented strand board made from Betung bamboo
(Dendrocalamus asper (Schultes. f) Backer ex Heyne)’, Wood science and technology,
46(1), p53–62.
Flora of China (2006) ‘Poaceae’, Volume 22, Zhengyi W, Raven PH, H Deyuan H (eds.)
Science Press and Missouri Botanical Garden.
Fukushima, M., Kanzaki, M., Thein, H. and Minn, Y. (2007) ‘Recovery process of fallow
vegetation in the traditional karen swidden cultivation system in the Bago Mountain
Range, Myanmar (Ecological Resource Use and Social Change in the Minority
Regions of Myanmar)’, Southeast Asian Studies, 45(3), p317–333.
Gauss, C., Araujo, V.D., Gava, M., Cortez-Barbosa and J., Savastano, H. (2019) ‘Bamboo
particleboards: recent developments’, Pesquisa Agropecuária Tropical, 49, p1–9.
Ginwal, H.S. (2021) Propagation of improved bamboo clumps (A NBM – BTSG supported
project) project completion report October 2018 to March 2021. Dehradun: Division of
Genetics and Tree Improvement Forest Research Institute, ICFRE [online]. Available
at: https://nbm.nic.in/Documents/ProjectReport/PCR-
Final_PropagationofBabooClumps.pdf, Accessed: 27, April, 2023
Godbole, S., Sood, A., Thakur, R., Sharma, M and Ahuja, P.S. (2002) ‘Somatic embryogenesis
and its conversion into plantlets in a multipurpose bamboo, Dendrocalamus hamiltonii
Nees et Arn. Ex Munro’, Current Science, 83(7), p885–889.
Haridasan K and Tewari S (2008) ‘Bamboo for Pan India programmes-preliminary
observations from recent trials’. Indian Forester,134(3), p314−324.
Huang, L.C. and Huang, B.L. (1993) ‘Bamboo tissue culture’, Institute of Botany, Academia
Sinica Monograph Series, 13, p203–212.

INBAR Working Paper
79
INBAR (2018) ‘Remote Sensing-Based Regional Bamboo Resource Assessment: Ethiopia,
Kenya and Uganda’, Tsinghua University and International Bamboo and Rattan
Organization.
Infonet Biovision (2023) ‘AEZs: FAO System’, https://infonet-
biovision.org/EnvironmentalHealth/AEZs-FAO-System. Accessed: 27, April, 2023
John, O., Magrate, K., Gordon, S., Mary, G., Miriam, G., Geoffry, M., Odour, N., Selim, R.,
Robert, S., Theodros, G. and Durai, J. (2022) A Bamboo Site–Species Matching Study
in Kenya. International Bamboo and Rattan Organization.
Kigomo, K.N. and Sigu, G.O. (1996) ‘Establishment and growth of field trials of exotic and
indigenous bamboo species in Kenya’, East African Agricultural and Forestry Journal,
61(3), p 213-223, DOI: 10.1080/00128325.1996.11663274, Accessed: 27, April, 2023
Kigomo, B.N., Were, N, Sigu, G.O. (1995) The establishment, development and growth of
Dendrocalamus hamiltonii Nees & Arn under field conditions in Kenya. E. Afr. Agric.
For J. 60(3), p95-105
Kittur, B.H., Sudhakara, K., Mohan Kumar, B., Kunhamu, T.K. and Sureshkumar, P. (2016)
‘Bamboo based agroforestry systems in Kerala, India: performance of turmeric
(Curcuma longa L.) in the subcanopy of differentially spaced seven-year-old bamboo
stand’, Agroforest Syst., 90, p237–250.
Komiya, M., Shibata, S., Kanzaki, M., Watanabe, H., Sang, P. M. and Nam, V.T. (2001)
‘Aboveground biomass of bamboo (Dendrocalamus membranaceus) stands in two
major production areas in North Vietnam’, Applied Forest Science, 10(1), p55–61.
Kondas, S. (1982) ‘Biology of two Indian bamboos, their culm potential and problems of
cultivation’, Indian Forester, 108, p179–188.
Kumar, K.B. (1994) ‘Propagation of bamboo through tissue culture’, BIC - India Bull., 4, p20–
24.
Kumari, P. and Singh, P. (2014) Bamboos of Meghalaya. Kolkata: Botanical Survey of India.
Majumdar, K., Choudhary, B.K. and Datta, B.K. (2016) ‘Aboveground woody biomass, carbon
stocks potential in selected tropical forest patches of Tripura, Northeast India’, Open
Journal of Ecology, 6(10), p598.
Malanit, P., Barbu, M.C. and Frühwald, A. (2009) ‘The gluability and bonding quality of an
Asian bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper) for the production of composite lumber’, J.
Trop. For. Sci, 21, p361–368.
Malanit, P., Barbu, M.C. and Frühwald, A. (2011) ‘Physical and mechanical properties of
oriented strand lumber made from an Asian bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper Backer)’,
European Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 69(1), p27–36.

INBAR Working Paper
80
Mehta U., Rao I.V. and Mohan Ram H.T. (1982) ‘Somatic embryogenesis in bamboo’ in
Fujiwara, A. (ed.) Plant tissue culture 1982. Proceedings 5th International Congress of
plant tissue and cell culture, July 11–16, Japan. Tokyo: Abe Photo Printing Co Ltd.,
p109–110.
Mishra, Y., Patel, P.K., Yadav, S., Shirin, F. and Ansari, S.A. (2008) ‘A micropropagation
system for cloning of Bambusa tulda Roxb.’ Sci. Hortic., 115, p315–318.
Mohmod, A.L., Amin, A.H., Kasim, J. and Jusuh, M.Z. (1993) ‘Effects of anatomical
characteristics on the physical and mechanical properties of Bambusa blumeana’, J.
Trop. For. Sci., 6, p159–170.
Muralidharan E.M., Sankar V.R. (2023) ‘Global priority species of economically important
bamboo’ in Trinh Thang Long, Li Yanxia, Durai Jayaraman (eds.) INBAR Technical
Report no 44. Beijing: INBAR,
Nadgir, A.L., Phadke, C.H., Gupta, P.K., Parsharami, V.A., Nair, S., Mascarenhas, A.F. (1984)
‘Rapid multiplication of bamboo by tissue culture’, Silvae Genet, 33(6), p219–223.
Naithani, H.B. (2011) Bamboos of Nagaland. NEPED and NBDA.
Narasimhamurthy, Maya C, Nadanwar A, Pandey CN (2013) ‘A study on physico-mechanical
properties of Thyrsostachys siamensis (Kurz) Gamble and Dendrocalamus
membranaceus (Munro) in Tumkur district, Karnataka, India’, Int. J. Curr. Microbiol.
App. Sci., 2(2), p62–66.
Nautiyal, D.P., Nautiyal, S. and Chaukiyal, S.P. (2008) ‘Indication of gregarious flowering in
Bambusa tulda in North-Eastern states of India’, Indian Forester, 134(7), p985–986.
Nfornkah B.N., Kaam, R., Zapfack, L., Tchamba, M. and Chimi Djomo, C. (2020) ‘Bamboo
diversity and carbon stocks of dominant species in different agro-ecological zones in
Cameroon’, African Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, 14(10), p290–
300.
Nfornkah,. B.N., Kaam, R., Martin, T., Louis, Z., Cedric, C.D., Forje, G.W., Delanot, T.A.,
Rosine, T.M., Baurel, A.J., Loic, T., Herman, Z.T.G., Yves, K. and Vartent D.S. (2021)
‘Culm allometry and carbon storage capacity of Bambusa vulgaris Schrad. ex J.C.
WendL. in the tropical evergreen rain forest of Cameroon’, Journal of Sustainable
Forestry, 40(6), p622–638.
Ongugo, P.O., Sigu G.O., Kariuki, J.G., Luvanda, A.M., Kigomo, B.M. (2000). Production to
consumption system; a case of the bamboo sector in Kenya. KEFRI/INBAR Report
Obsuwan, K., Duangmanee, A. and Thepsithar, C. (2019) ‘In vitro propagation of a useful
tropical bamboo, Thyrsostachys siamensis Gamble, through shoot-derived callus’,
Horticulture, Environment, and Biotechnology, 60, p261–267.

INBAR Working Paper
81
Pal, G.D. (1984) ‘Observations on ethnobotany of tribals of Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh’,
Bull. Bot. Surv. India, 26(1&2), p26–37.
Patil, S.J., Mutanal, S.M. and Shahapurmath, G. (2008) ‘Investigations on plant density in
bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus)’, Indian Forester, 134(3), p448–450.
Pungbun N.A.P. (2000) ‘Bamboo resources and utilization in Thailand’ in Puangchit, L.,
Thaiutsa, B. and S. Thamincha (eds.) Bamboo 2000. Proc. of the International
Symposium. Bangkok: Royal Project Foundation, Asksorn Siam Printing, p6–12.
Ramanayake, S.M.S.D., Maddegoda, K.M.M.N., Vitharana, M.C. and Chaturani, G.D.G.
(2008) ‘Root induction in three species of bamboo with different rooting abilities’,
Scientia Horticulturae, 118(3), p270–273.
Ramanayake, S.M.S.D., Meemaduma, V.N. and Weerawardene, T.E. (2006) ‘In vitro shoot
proliferation and enhancement of rooting for the large-scale propagation of yellow
bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris ‘Striata’)’, Scientia Horticulturae, 110(1), p109–113.
Ramanayake, S.M.S.D. and Wanniarachchi, W.A.V.R. (2003) ‘Organogenesis in callus
derived from an adult giant bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus Wall. Ex Munro)’,
Scientia Horticulturae, 98(2), p195–200.
Rao, A.N., Ramanatha Rao, V. and Williams, J.T. (1998) Priority species of bamboo and rattan
[online] IPGRI and INBAR. Available at: https://www.bioversityinternational.org/e-
library/publications/detail/priority-species-of-bamboo-and-rattan/, Accessed: 01, May,
2023
Rao, N.S.D and Nagarajaiah, C. (1991) ‘Evaluation of Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. for
growth and biomass production in dry land ecosystem’, Myforest, 27(1), p70-74.
Ravikumar, R., Ananthakrishnan, G., Kathiravan, K. and Ganapathi, A. (1998) ‘In vitro shoot
propagation of Dendrocalamus strictus Nees’, Plant Cell Tissue and Organ Culture,
52, p189–192.
Reddy GM (2006) ‘Clonal propagation of bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus)’, Current Science.
91(11), p1462-1464.
Rickel, C. and Rojas-Sandoval, J. (2017) ‘Phyllostachys aurea (golden bamboo)’ Invasive
species compendium. Wallingford, UK: CABI [online]. Available at:
https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.42072, Accessed:
01,May,2023.
Roxas, C.A. (2012) Handbook on erect bamboo species found in the Philippines. Laguna:
Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, Department of Environment and
Natural Resources.

INBAR Working Paper
82
Salzer, C., Wallbaum, H., Alipon, M. and Lopez, L. (2018) ‘Determining material suitability for
low-rise housing in the Philippines: physical and mechanical properties of the bamboo
species Bambusa blumeana’, BioRes., 13(1), p346–369.
Sarma, H., Sarma, A.M., Sarma, A. and Borah, S. (2010) ‘Blossoming of dominant species of
bamboo in hilly woodlands of Assam, India: phenology, regeneration, impact on rural
economy and conservation’, Journal of Forestry Research, 21(4), p409–414.
Saxena, S. and Bhojwani, S.S. (1991) ‘Regeneration and mass production of bamboo species
through tissue culture’ in Proceedings of IV International Bamboo Workshop.
Chiangmai: IDRC (Abstract).
Saxena, S. and Dhawan, V. (1999) ‘Regeneration and large-scale propagation of bamboo
(Dendrocalamus strictus Nees) through somatic embryogenesis’, Plant Cell Rep., 18,
p438–444.
Scurlock, J.M.O., Dayton, D.C. and Hames, B. (2000) ‘Bamboo: an overlooked biomass
resource?’, Biomass and Bioenergy, 19, p229-244.
Seethalakshmi, K.K. and Muktesh Kumar, M.S. (1998) The bamboos of India: A Compendium.
Bamboo Information Center, India KFRI, Peechi.
Shanmughavel, P. and Francis, K. (1996) ‘Above ground biomass production and nutrient
distribution in growing bamboo (Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss)’, Biomass and
Bioenergy, 10(5-6), p383–391.
Shanmughavel, P. and Francis, K. (1995) ‘Studies on the growth of Bambusa bambos at
Kallipatti, Tamilnadu’, BIC India Bulletin, 3, p46-48.
Shirin, F and Rana P.K. (2007). ‘In vitro plantlet regeneration from nodal explants of field
grown culms in Bambusa glaucescens Willd’, Plant Biotechnology Reports, 1, p141-
147.
Singh, N.B. (1993) ‘Analysis of genetic diversity in Bambusa tulda Roxb. from north-east India’,
Adv. Hortic. Forestry, 3, p187–191.
Singh. J., Sharma, R., Kumar and A., Chauhan, S. (2018) ‘Defining growth, quality and
biomass production of different bamboo species in central plains of Punjab’, Journal of
Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(5), p1328–1332.
Singh. K. P., Devi, S.P., Devi, K.K., Ningombam, D. S. and Athokpam, P. (2010) ‘Bambusa
tulda Roxb. in Manipur State, India: exploring the local values and commercial
implications’, Notulae Scientia Biologicae, 2(2), p35–40.
Singh, P., Srivastava, S.K., Kumari, N., Srivastava, R.J. and Dubey, P. (2004) ‘Genetic
variability and selection parameters in Dendrocalamus strictus’, Journal of Tropical
Forest Science, 16(4), p413–418.

INBAR Working Paper
83
Singh, S.R., Dalal, S., Singh, R., Dhawan, A.K. and Kalia R.K. (2011) ‘Micropropagation of
Dendrocalamus asper {Schult. & Schult. F.} Backer ex k. Heyne): an exotic edible
bamboo’, Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology, 21(2), p220–228.
Sint, K.M., Hapla, F. and Myint, C.C. (2008) ‘Investigation on physical and mechanical
properties of some Myanmar bamboo species’, J. Bamboo and Rattan, 7(3&4), p183–
192.
Sompoh, B., Fueangvivat, V., Bauchongkol, P. and Ratcharoen, W. (2013) Physical and
Mechanical Properties of Some Thai Bamboos for House Construction Project PD
372/05 Rev. 1 (F). Bangkok, Thailand: Royal Forest Department and The International
Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO).
Sood, A., Ahuja, P.S., Sharma, M., Sharma, O.P. and Godbole, S. (2002) ‘In vitro protocols
and field performance of elites of an important bamboo Dendrocalamus hamiltonii
Nees et Arn. Ex Munro’, Plant Cell, Tissue and Organ Culture, 71(1), p55–63.
Srivastava, N., Kumar, S., Kumar, S., Das, R. and Nath, S. (2012) ‘Silvicultural management
for seed setting in sporadically flowered Bambusa tulda Roxb.’, J. Bamboo and Rattan,
11(1–4), p1–11.
Suraj, K. and Nath, S. (2011) ‘Flowering in Bambusa tulda Roxb. at Ranchi, Jharkhand’, Indian
Forester, 137(6), p802–803.
Tesoro F.O. and Espiloy Z.B. (1988) ‘Bamboo research in the Philippines’ In: Ramanuja Rao,
I.V., Gnanaharan, R. and Sastry CB (eds.) Bamboos- Current Research. Cochin:
Proceedings of the International Bamboo Workshop, Nov. 14-18, 1988, p15–21.
Uchimura, E. (1978) ‘Ecological studies on cultivation of tropical bamboo forest in the
Philippines’, Bullentin, Forestry Forest Products Research Institution, Japan, 301,
p79–118.
Varmah J.C. and Bahadur K.N. (1980) ‘India – a country report’ in Lessard, G. and Chouinard,
A. (eds.) Bamboo research in Asia: proceedings of a bamboo workshop, Singapore,
28–30 May, 1980. Ottawa: IDRC, IUFRO, p19–46.
Vorontsova, M.S., Clark, L.G., Dransfield, J., Govaerts, R., and Baker, W.J. (2016) World
checklist of bamboos and rattans. Beijing: Science Press.
Yang, H-Q., An, M-Y., Gu, Z-J. and Tian, B. (2012) ‘Genetic diversity and differentiation of
Dendrocalamus membranaceus (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), a declining bamboo
species in Yunnan, China, as based on Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR)
Analysis’, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 13(4), p4446–4457. Available
at: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms13044446, Accessed: 01,May,2023.

INBAR Working Paper
84
Yuan, J., Yue, J., Wu, X., Zhang, D., Guo, G. and Gu, X. (2010) ‘Medium optimization for
callus proliferation of Bambusa multiplex’, Bulletin of Botanical Research, 30(5), p562–
567.
Zhan, H., Zhang, L.Y., Niu, Z.H., Wang, C.M. and Wang, S. (2016) ‘Chemical properties and
fiber morphology of Dendrocalamus hamiltonii as potential pulp material’, European
Journal of Wood and Wood Products, 74, p273–276. Available at: DOI
10.1007/s00107-015-0993-y, Accessed: 01, May, 2023.
Zhao, Y., Feng, D., Jayaraman, D., Belay, D., Sebrala, H., Ngugi, J., Maina, E., Akombo, R.,
Otuoma, J., Mutyaba, J., Kissa, S., Qi, S., Assefa, F., Oduor, N.M., Ndawula, A.K., Li,
Y. and Gong, P. (2018) ‘Bamboo mapping of Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda for the year
2016 using multi-temporal Landsat imagery’, International Journal of Applied Earth
Observation and Geoinformation, 66, p116–125.

www.inbar.int
@INBAROfficial