Cephalostachyum pergracile

Munro

Tinwa Bamboo

Amaranthaceae Edible: Shoots, Stem

gbif· cc-by-nc-nd

Fabrice Clermont

gbif· cc-by-nc-nd

Fabrice Clermont

gbif· cc-by-nc-nd

H. Sinivassin

Description

Cephalostachyum pergracile is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 10 m (32ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Uses

The canes are highly esteemed as a vessel for cooking glutinous rice. The green canes are used and, the fact of their being green and the presence of the fluid within, seems to render the fire incapable of burning these wooden cooking-pots. The bamboo casing also acts as a convenient container in which the cooked food can be carried whilst on journeys. The internodes of 1-year-old culms are used as casings for 'khaao laam', a popular Thai dessert comprising a mixture of glutinous rice, adzuki beans, coconut milk, sugar and salt. After grilling or baking, the whole dish is eaten, including the bamboo casing, which adds a specific fragrance to the meal. Young shoots - cooked. A bitter flavour.

Distribution

E. Asia - southern China, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam.

Where It Grows

TEMPERATE ASIA: China (Yunnan Sheng (south)) TROPICAL ASIA: Bangladesh, India (Assam, Nagaland), Myanmar, Thailand

Cultivation

Grows best in the dappled shade of woodland. Prefers a moist, but well-drained soil. Bamboos have an interesting method of growth. Each plant produces a number of new stems annually - these stems grow to their maximum height in their first year of growth, subsequent growth in the stem being limited to the production of new side branches and leaves. In the case of some mature tropical species the new stem could be as much as 30 metres tall, with daily increases in height of 30cm or more during their peak growth time. This makes them some of the fastest-growing species in the world. Bamboos in general are usually monocarpic, living for many years before flowering, then flowering and seeding profusely for a period of 1 - 3 years before usually dying. This species, however, flowers sporadically in most years, but does not then generally produce good seed. It also flowers gregariously at intervals of several years, at which time good seed is usually produced.

Propagation

Seed

Other Uses

Basketry Biomass Containers Paper Wood. The canes are widely used in construction, (as house posts, walling mats, shingles etc) and as fishing rods. They are easily split into thin strips which are used for basketry, mat making etc. The outer green layer can be split very finely and is used to make handicrafts. The culms are also used as a raw material for paperpulp. A Good screening plant or feature.