Accession Count: 12
Common Name:
Oldham bamboo
Family Name:
Poaceae
Botanical Name:
Bambusa oldhamii
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Compound:
Bam old
Geographic Origin:
Taiwan
Ecozone Origin:
Palearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The Bambusa oldhamii, also known as the Giant Timber Bamboo, is considered to be a part of the bamboo plant species. The Bamboo plants Species originated over 30 million years ago (1). This particular plant though first originated in Taiwan (2). These days, it is grown all over the world but is most commonly grown in the United States (3). It grows in tropical regions with full sunlight and warm weather (3).
Cultivation Notes:
The Bambusa oldhamii requires a rich, moist soil with conditions of full sun to partial shade (3). It requires low water needs but if given water regularly, will have the best results from the plant. This plant is hardy to 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit and grows best in tropical places with warm weather (4). This plant only flowers at certain yearly intervals and when they do flower, they sometimes die (4). However, if you leave the plant alone, they will usually recover (4).
Ethnobotany:
The Bambusa oldhamii is a very useful plant for humans. For many reasons uses such as food, tools, medicine, fabric material, and even to help produce oxygen (4). This plant is very good for our environment because it produces 35 percent more oxygen than trees the same size and is also very biodegradable (5). One of the main uses though is the bamboo can be a very useful tool for construction (5). Primarily in Asia, the bamboo is used for fences, tables, housing frames, etc. The young shoots can be used as food and is very popular in Taiwan, where the plant originated (5). The plant is also used as medicine to help treat infections, fevers, and lung inflammation (5).
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Fall
Color:
Green
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
