Herb latin name: Thamnocalamus aristatus


Family: Gramineae (Grass Family)



Edible parts of Thamnocalamus aristatus:

Young shoots - cooked. The new shoots are about 15mm in diameter. Seed - used as a cereal. The plants only flower and produce seed at intervals of several years.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Bamboo

Height:
6 m
(20 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Damp sites in woodland and high savannah. Open, rocky ground at elevations of 2200 - 3100 metres in Nepal.

Other uses of Thamnocalamus aristatus:

The canes are used for making walking sticks, baskets and pipes. They can also be used as plant supports. Valuable for screen planting in wet areas.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°C. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Division in spring as new growth commences. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more. Basal cane cuttings.

Cultivation of Thamnocalamus aristatus:

Damp sites in woodland and high savannah. Open, rocky ground at elevations of 2200 - 3100 metres in Nepal.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Thamnocalamus aristatus:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.