Priority species of bamboo and rattan - Bioversity International

Notes on priority bamboos
Bambusa balcooa (= Dendrocalamus balcooa)
Tall bamboo, forming distinct tufts, groups or clumps, culms 20–24 m long, 8–15 cm
diameter, greyish green to light white,thick walled 2–2.5 cm, nodes prominent with white
ring above node, internodes 30–45 cm long, leaf blade oblong lanceolate ± 25 x 4 cm,
Inflorescence compound panicle, with 6–8 spikelets on nodes, flowers well described, fruits
not known. Vegetative propagation – culm cuttings, rhizome and branch cuttings, growth
regulators like NAA are used for root induction, tissue culture protocol well-outlined.
DISTRIBUTION: Origin is said to be from N E India, native of Bengal; at present mostly
cultivated in different countries, introduced to Australia (Fig. 2).
CLIMATE AND SOIL: Tropical bamboo of monsoon climate, lowland to 600 m, can
withstand dry period, suitable for different soils, grows better on heavy clay soil, well
drained, can withstand –5°C.
CURRENT RESEARCH: Basic methods for propagation and planting are established
but they need to be improved, especially the water requirements for young plants in
dry regions. Cytology 2n = 70 (aneuploid).
UNTAPPED POTENTIAL: This species is well cultivated, utilised in Bangladesh and
India, but has great potential for cultivation in other countries with similar climatic
conditions. Unexplored or underexplored regions of Bangladesh, India and Myanmar
should be surveyed to collect superior plant materials.
CONSERVATION: Small germplasm collection in India, Bangladesh. Larger germplasm
collections recommended. Culm characters variable although vegetatetively propagated.
USES: Structural bamboo, average quality, building materials for homes, bridges,
agricultural implements, furniture of good quality, paper pulp, shoots edible but not
of good quality, leaves provide fodder.
RESEARCH NEEDS:
1. Studies on physical and chemical properties.
2. Selection of superior varieties to obtain better fodder.
3. Provenance trails.
Bambusa bambos (= B. arundinacea, B. spinosa)
Common Name: Spiny bamboo, Thorny bamboo, Indian bamboo
PART I 15
This is a thorny bamboo densely tufted, with curving branches, graceful, upright,
shining culms 15–30 m tall; nodes swollen, culm tip bending slightly, internodes 20–
40 cm long, diameter 15–18 cm and wall thickness 1–1.5 cm, but sometimes almost solid
near the base especially in dry climates and poor soils; lower branches spreading,
recurved spines, in groups of 3 spines each, leaves lanceolate 6–22 x 1–3 cm, gregarious
flowering, flowering cycle 30–45 years, Inflorescence panicle, stamens exerted, anthers
yellow, ovary elliptic – oblong, fruit (caryopsis) 4–8 mm long, persistent glume and
palea, embryo prominent. Methods suggested for vegetative propagation – culm
cuttings, layering, marcotting and macroproliferation of seedlings.