Berry Bamboo. Mali bamboo (Melocanna baccifera)

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

Melocanna baccifera is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 15 m (49ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: 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: Fruit, Berries, Leaves, Shoots

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. The shoots are also sliced and dried in the sun for preservation. The remarkable large fruits are fleshy and edible. They are used as a famine food. The leaves may be used in brewing liquor. — Young shoots - cooked.; The shoots are also sliced and dried in the sun for preservation.; The remarkable large fruits are fleshy and edible.; They are used as a famine food.

Habitat & North American Range

Occurs in vast stands, usually on hilly ground. (Zone 10)