Species of Bamboo

Bamboo is truly fantastic, but there are more than 1,000 species of this ever-green grass with a wide range of characteristics, it’s important to remember that only a few species have the characteristics of strength and size that are useful, the following is a list of popular bamboo species that have been used for various purposes by people around the world.

(Phyllostachys nigra): This bamboo species is the largest, it can grow up to 30m tall with a diameter of 10-12cm. The wood is very hard and strong, making it ideal for construction.

(Phyllostachys nigra ‘Henon’): A cultivar of the giant bamboo, this species is smaller in size, but its wood is stronger. It is often used for furniture and construction.

(Phyllostachys nigra ‘Caesia’): Another cultivar of the giant bamboo, this species is also smaller in size but has a blue coloration to its culms.

(Phyllostachys edulis): This is the most common and widely cultivated species of bamboo, it can grow up to 20m tall with a diameter of 5-8cm. The wood is strong and flexible, making it ideal for various uses such as construction, furniture, and paper production.

(Phyllostachys bambusoides): This bamboo species is similar to the Moso bamboo in size and appearance, however, its wood is not as strong. It is often used for decorative purposes such as in gardens or privacy screens.

(Phyllostachys rubromarginata): This is a small bamboo species, only growing to a height of 5-7m. It is often used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant.

(Phyllostachys marina): This is a salt-tolerant bamboo species, making it ideal for use in coastal areas. It can grow up to 15m tall with a diameter of 3-5cm.

(Yushania maculata): This is a thin and tall bamboo species, growing up to 20m tall with a diameter of just 1-2cm. It is often used for walking sticks and as an ornamental plant.

(Phyllostachys aurea): This is a fast-growing species of bamboo, it can grow up to 15m tall with a diameter of 3-5cm. The culms are golden in colour, hence their name. It is often used as an ornamental plant.