Ringal (Drepanostachyum falcatum)

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

Drepanostachyum falcatum is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Shoots

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavour, it is sometimes mixed in vegetable curries. — Young shoots - cooked.; Used as a vegetable.; They are also fermented and preserved in Nepal to form a dish called tama.; Tama is sour and has a very strong flavour, it is sometimes mixed in vegetable curries.

Habitat & North American Range

Forms dense thickets in evergreen oak forests that are usually damp, to 3600 metres. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)