Tinwa Bamboo (Cephalostachyum pergracile)

Family: Poaceae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Cephalostachyum pergracile is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 10 m (32ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The canes are highly esteemed as a vessel for cooking glutinous rice. — The canes are highly esteemed as a vessel for cooking glutinous rice.; The green canes are used and, the fact of their being green and the presence of the fluid within, seems to render the fire incapable of burning these wooden cooking-pots.; The bamboo casing also acts as a convenient container in which the cooked food can be carried whilst on journeys.; The internodes of 1-year-old culms are used as casings for 'khaao laam', a popular Thai dessert comprising a mixture of glutinous rice, adzuki beans, coconut milk, sugar and salt.

Habitat & North American Range

Mixed deciduous forests, often growing with teak. It is vigorous in moister forests but stunted in the driest forests. Characteristic of low, hilly country, it thrives best on well-drained loams and usually grows in large stands. (Zone 10)