Savanah Bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssynica)

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

Oxytenanthera abyssynica is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 12 m (39ft) 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: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds, Shoots, Sap/Syrup

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Young shoots - cooked. They can be boiled, steamed or smoked, and can also be dried or salted for later use. Used as a famine food. Seeds - cooked and used like rice. — Young shoots - cooked.; They can be boiled, steamed or smoked, and can also be dried or salted for later use.; Used as a famine food.; Seeds - cooked and used like rice.

Habitat & North American Range

Dry forest and soudanian woodland. Along banks of perennial watercourses, in damp places at the bases of hills, in moorland, on slopes of wooded hills, often on termite mounds from sea level to 2,000 metres. (Zone 10)