SafePlants

Dendrocalamus: The Giant Clumping Bamboos of Asia

The genus Dendrocalamus encompasses a group of impressive, large, clumping bamboos native to tropical Asia. Belonging to the grass family (Poaceae), these bamboos are known for their substantial size and diverse uses.

Considerations for Pets

• The text mentions that some Dendrocalamus species, like Dendrocalamus strictus, have culms (stems) that are often solid. The hardness of mature bamboo might pose a chewing hazard.
• The plant has large branches and leaves, small pieces may break off.

Scientific Classification

• Genus: Dendrocalamus
• Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
• Subfamily: Bambusoideae
• Species Examples:
  • Dendrocalamus giganteus
  • Dendrocalamus strictus
  • Dendrocalamus asper
  • Dendrocalamus latiflorus
  • Dendrocalamus barbatus
  • Dendrocalamus brandisii
  • Dendrocalamus hamiltonii
  • Dendrocalamus minor var. amoenus
  • Dendrocalamus maroochy

Common Names

• Dendrocalamus giganteus: Giant Bamboo, Dragon Bamboo
• Dendrocalamus strictus: Male Bamboo, Solid Bamboo, Calcutta Bamboo, Iron Bamboo
• Dendrocalamus asper: Rough Bamboo, Giant Bamboo
• Dendrocalamus latiflorus: Taiwan Giant Bamboo, Machiku

Synonyms

• Bambusa aspera Schult. f. (for Dendrocalamus asper)
• Dendrocalamus flagellifer Munro.
• Gigantochloa aspera (Schult.) Kurz.
• Schizostachyum bitung (Schult.) Steud.
• Schizostachyum loriforme Munro.
• Sinocalamus (implied as possibly synonymous)

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to tropical Asia, including the Indian subcontinent, China, Myanmar (Burma), and Southeast Asia.
• Dendrocalamus strictus grows on practically all types of soils provided there is good drainage.
• Dendrocalamus giganteus is native to Asia and Myanmar.
• Dendrocalamus latiflorus is native to Southern China.
• Dendrocalamus asper is native to Southeast Asia.

Morphological Characteristics

• Clumping bamboos, forming dense clumps.
• Large branches and leaves.
• Dendrocalamus giganteus can reach a mature height of 100 feet and a width of 1 foot. Harvested culms can reach 78-98 feet in height and 8-12 inches in diameter.
• Dendrocalamus strictus can reach a maximum height of 60 feet.
• Dendrocalamus latiflorus can reach about 26 metres.
• Dendrocalamus brandisii culms are erect, 1900-3300 cm long and 130-200 mm in diameter.
• The culms (stems) of Dendrocalamus strictus are often solid.

Uses

• Dendrocalamus asper poles are used as construction material.
• The pulped fibres of several bamboo species, especially Dendrocalamus strictus and Bambusa bambos, are used to make fine-quality paper.
• Dendrocalamus Bamboo are used for working posts, beams, and fences.
• Shoots of Dendrocalamus asper are edible.
• Dendrocalamus latiflorus is a principal commercial variety for shoot production in China & Taiwan.

Quirky Facts

• Dendrocalamus giganteus is one of the most massive of all bamboos.
• Ghost Bamboo (Dendrocalamus Minor Var. Amoenus) has stunning pale green striped/white/silver culms.

Chemical Compounds

• Taxiphyllin (1), l-asparagine, 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde and &#946-sitosterol have been identified as the main extractives of the shoots of Dendrocalamus giganteus.

Further Information

• Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (source of information about Dendrocalamus giganteus)