Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus)

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

Also known as Dragon Bamboo, Giant Bamboo or Dendrocalamus giganteus is one of the largest, dense-clumping bamboo species that is native to Southeast Asia. It reaches up to 40 m in height. It is greyish-green in colour and it grows in clumps. The culms are straight and thick-walled with a smooth surface. Young shoots are blackish purple in colour and are edible when cooked. Large culm sheaths are used to make hats and for many other purposes.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The young shoots are edible. Creamy and tender when cooked, though they are not widely consumed. They have a fair canning quality. — The young shoots are edible.; Creamy and tender when cooked, though they are not widely consumed.; They have a fair canning quality.

Habitat & North American Range

Forests in humid tropical highlands, at elevations up to 1,200 metres. (Zone 9)