20. Bambusa multiplex (Lour.) Raeusch ex Schult. and Schult. f.

Local names

Hedge Bamboo

General description

Bambusa multiplex is an evergreen, clumping bamboo producing erect canes from 2 - 7 metres tall. The thin-walled canes are 10 - 30mm in diameter with internodes 20 - 40cm long. Culmsusually 2-4 m high, 1.5-2.5 cm indiameter, glabrous, smooth, greenwhen young, yellowish on aging,hard. Culmsheaths10-15 cm long and 5-8 cmbroad, green when young,yellowish on aging, stiff. Inflorescence a short, diffuse, leafy panicle with clustered spikelets.Caryopsis elliptic, furrowed, roughly hairy above, with a short beak.

Habit and Habitat

Tree form. Open places; at elevations from 200 - 1,500 metres in Nepal. Wild and cultivated, fields, mountains, low hills, riversides.

Distribution

China and Japan.

Uses

Young shoots are edible. Used for construction purposes, baskettingand handicrafts in Thailand and is also ornamental. Culms used for making paper.

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