Burmese bamboo (Bambusa polymorpha)

Family: Poaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Burmese Bamboo, Bambusa polymorpha, is a tropical plant that grows on lower slopes and in well drained valleys. It reaches up to 25 m tall and 15 cm across. The stems are erect but can curve towards the top part. It is grayish green in color, covered with whitish brown hair, and turn brownish green upon drying. Culms of this species are used as construction material. The plant can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

taste very bitter. — Edible portion: Shoots.; The young shoots are edible but are reputed to taste very bitter.; The plant yields excellent sweet shoots, but sometimes they are regarded as bitter.; The young shoots are harvested as they emerge from the soil.

Habitat & North American Range

Abundant throughout the more humid types of mixed deciduous forest, particularly on the lower slopes and in well-drained valleys. It flourishes best and reaches its largest dimensions on deep fertile loams. (Zone 9)