Guide to Bamboo Types
Bamboo’s remarkable versatility and beauty have made certain species famous worldwide, while Africa hosts several unique bamboo species that are critical to local ecosystems and economies. This guide explores both the globally renowned bamboo varieties and the distinctive bamboo species native to the African continent.
PHYLLOSTACHYS EDULIS
MOSO BAMBOO
Perhaps the most economically important bamboo in the world, Moso bamboo is the giant of temperate bamboos and a true celebrity in the bamboo world.
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Origin: Native to China and Taiwan
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Height: 65-85 feet (20-26 meters)
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Diameter: 4-7 inches (10-18 cm)
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Claim to Fame: Produces 80% of all bamboo products globally, including flooring, furniture, and textiles
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Growth Rate: Can grow up to 3 feet (1 meter) in a single day under ideal conditions
DENDROCALAMUS GIGANTEUS
GIANT BAMBOO
Living up to its name, this is one of the largest bamboo species in the world and among the most recognizable.
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Origin: Native to Southeast Asia
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Height: Up to 100 feet (30 meters)
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Diameter: Up to 12 inches (30 cm)
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Claim to Fame: Used for construction, furniture, and large-scale structural applications
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Special Feature: Despite its massive size, it’s a clumping bamboo that won’t spread aggressively
PHYLLOSTACHYS NIGRA
BLACK BAMBOO
One of the most visually striking bamboo species, prized for its dramatic appearance in ornamental gardens worldwide.
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Origin: Native to China
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Height: 20-30 feet (6-9 meters)
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Diameter: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)
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Claim to Fame: Culms that mature to a glossy black color after 2-3 years
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Special Feature: Highly prized for ornamental use and fine furniture crafting
BAMBUSA VENTRICOSA
BUDDHA'S BELLY BAMBOO
Famous for its unique swollen internodes that resemble a Buddha’s belly, this is one of the most distinctive bamboo varieties globally.
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Origin: Southern China
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Height: 40-55 feet (12-17 meters)
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Diameter: 2-3 inches (5-8 cm)
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Claim to Fame: Unusual bulging internodes that become more pronounced when the plant is stressed
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Cultural Significance: Considered good luck in many Asian cultures
PHYLLOSTACHYS AUREA
GOLDEN BAMBOO
One of the most widely cultivated bamboo species in temperate regions around the world.
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Origin: China
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Height: 15-35 feet (4.5-10.5 meters)
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Diameter: 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm)
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Claim to Fame: Golden-yellow culms when exposed to direct sunlight
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Special Feature: Compressed internodes near the base give it a distinctive appearance
OXYTENANTHERA ABYSSINICA
AFRICAN LOWLAND BAMBOO
The most widespread indigenous bamboo in Africa, also known as Savannah Bamboo or Bindura Bamboo.
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Distribution: Widespread across sub-Saharan Africa from Senegal to Ethiopia, and down to northern South Africa
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Height: 30-50 feet (10-15 meters)
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Diameter: 2-4 inches (5-10 cm)
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Ecological Features: Drought-resistant, grows in savanna woodland and semi-arid grasslands
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Unique Characteristic: Flowers gregariously after 70+ years of vegetative growth
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Last Known Seeding: 2006 in West Africa and 2010 in Ethiopia
YUSHANIA ALPINA
MOUNTAIN BAMBOO
Formerly known as Arundinaria alpina, this is the largest alpine bamboo species in Africa.
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Distribution: Highland regions of East Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Ethiopia
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Height: 40-60 feet (12-18 meters)
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Diameter: 2-5 inches (5-13 cm)
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Ecological Importance: Forms extensive bamboo forests at elevations of 2,400-3,400 meters
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Wildlife Significance: Critical habitat for the endangered mountain gorilla and other wildlife
THAMNOCALAMUS TESSELLATUS
BERG BAMBOO
The only African bamboo species currently listed as threatened.
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Distribution: South Africa, primarily in the Drakensberg Mountains
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Height: 15-20 feet (4.5-6 meters)
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Conservation Status: Vulnerable
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Ecological Role: Helps prevent soil erosion in mountain watersheds
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Cultural Significance: Used traditionally by indigenous peoples for crafts and construction
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