THE WORLD OF BAMBOO

….is not only fascinating, but also plays a pivotal role in sustainable tropical agriculture. It is a sustainable resource with literally thousands of practical uses. Asian countries have realized the full potential of bamboo for thousands of years already and they are have been growing hundreds of species for structural and edible purpose. As of lately, Latin American countries are also becoming increasingly aware of its incredible potential and value. Unfortunately, the agricultural and practical value of bamboo is still largely overlooked in Puerto Rico.

After spending years of growing and popularizing tropical rare fruits in Puerto Rico, I have decided to add a new, worthwhile project to my repertoire: growing and popularizing valuable bamboo species. Currently, only one species can be found in abundance locally: Bambusa vulgaris. This species is not only the most common species in the world, but it is considered to be one of the inferior species . Its high starch content makes it prone to powder beetle destruction and it is therefore not suitable to be used for construction; its shoots are too bitter for fresh consumption. Its main benefit is that it grows in swampy areas and is able to prevent erosion. At the same time, it breaks easily and is therefore often seen as an unwanted hazard. B. vulgaris is virtually the only bamboo species commonly known in Puerto Rico. Needless to say that people’s view about bamboo is highly influenced by this isolated bamboo experience. Whenever I mention the word “bamboo” to local farmers, the common response is disinterest to put it mildly.

However, if we look at the amazing bamboo facts, it becomes self-evident that this plant could have a very significant, positive impact on Puerto Rico’s agriculture and future.

BAMBOO FACTS

Bamboo can store four times the carbon dioxide of a tree stand of similar size and it produces 35% more oxygen.

There is no plant on the planet that has a more versatile use than bamboo – more than 5,000 used are documented (see brief list below).

Worldwide, several hundred million people live in bamboo structures. These structures are impact proof, hurricane proof, and are easy and affordable to build.

Superior timber bamboos (like D. asper, G. angustifolia, etc.) have a tensile strength that matches that of mild steel but they are about ten times more flexible. On a strength per weight basis, superior bamboo species outclass any wood and even steel.

Bamboo is the ideal plant for large, deforested areas. It grows up to 20 times faster than any other timber, and it also re-grows that much faster than regular timber wood.

Bamboo shoots are highly nutritious (high in trace elements and vitamins, low in carbohydrates, fat and protein).

A mature patch (20ft by 50ft) of superior structural bamboo is more than sufficient to build an entire house – every other year. The harvested area of the patch can grow back within just a few years without having to be replanted, as opposed to most timber wood, which often requires decades to re-grow, and also needs to be replanted.

Bamboo can easily be grown organically, and its underground network is ideal to combat erosion and enriches the soil with beneficial microorganisms.

From the perspective of sustainability, bamboo is unparalleled as an agricultural crop for construction, as well as thousands of other practical uses in the tropics.

Bamboo is a potential economical force for sustainable farmers, that matches or exceeds the commercial potential of any other agricultural crop grown in the tropics

SOME OF THE MOST COMMON BAMBOO USES

• furniture
• baskets- fence posts
• musical instruments
• flooring
• water pipes
• clothing
• food source
• gates
• houses
• gazebos
• windbreaks
• flood and erosion control
• handles for tools
• plywood panels
• ladders
• fruit pickers
• paper
• alcohol
• boats
• bridges
• tools
• medicinal
• privacy screens
• window blinds
• plant pots
• poles
• stakes
• scaffolding
• decorative screens

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BAMBOO LITERATURE

1. Bamboo World by Victor Cusack
2. Bamboo on the Farm by D. Lewis
3. Building with Bamboo by Jules A. Janssen
4. Alternative Construction by Lynne Elizabeth
5. How to build with Bamboo by Jo Scheer
6. Fundamentals of the Design of Bamboo Structures by Arce-Villalobus
7. Plant Resources of Southeast Asia, Vol. 7 by Widjaja, Dransfield
8. The book of Bamboo by David Farrelly
9. Grow your own house by Simon Velez
10. Bamboo Construction Manual by O.H. Lopez
11. La Guadua, un material versatil by Dicken Castro
12. The Bamboo Handbook by Durnford L. Dart
13. Bamboo – The Gift of the Gods by Oscar Hidalgo
14. Manual de Construction con Bamboo by Hidalgo, Lopez
15. Bamboo for Gardens by Ted Jordan Meredith
16. The Bamboos by F. A. McClure
17. Building Bamboo Fences by Isao Yoshikawa
18. Bamboo for Sustainable Development by Arun Kumar et al
19. Tropical Bamboo by Marcelo Villegas
20. New Bamboo: Architecture and Design by Marcelo Villages

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BAMBOO LINKS

www.conbam.info

www.abari.org

www.koolbamboo.com

www.bamboocentral.org

www.marcelosvillegas.com

www.bambooliving.com

www.bamboovillagehawaii.org

AVAILABLE BAMBOO SPECIES

In order to serve local farmers and hobby growers, I will provide the species listed below, starting in August 2008. All sales are local, I do not ship bamboo. Please inquire about prices.

Bambusa lako (Timor Black Bamboo)

From the Indonesian island of Timor. One of the world’s most beautiful bamboos and a prized collector’s species. Culms emerge green and mature to a shiny chocolate black, with an almost purplish tint. Grows erect and arches at the top. Can be planted either as a specimen/focal point, in a row along a path/road/stream, or among other tropical foliage. Slightly open clumper with very straight growth. 45' tall with 3-4" diameter culms. Valuable for furniture and musical instruments. Shoots are edible but not of high quality. Can be planted in full sun; ideal windbreak (holds up very well in storms and even hurricanes). Its disease and drought resistancy make it an ideal species for wide propagation.

Bambusa ventricosa (Dwarf Buddha Belly Bamboo)

Originates in China. Its name is derived from the swollen lower internodes. Very popular for ornamental purpose but also highly valued for furniture making and decorative uses. Although it can be kept in pot like a bonsai, it can reach over 45 feet when planted in the ground. Diameter: 2-3 inch. It grows well in poor soil and dry areas and is an ideal wind break; also planted for erosion control close by rivers and creeks. Can be planted as a hedge.

Dendrocalamus membranaceus (White Bamboo)

Originates in Thailand and Burma. A very straight growing, attractive species. The green culms are white powder covered when young, which makes them appear misty blue. D. membranaceus is considered to be one of the most valued timber bamboos for medium sized structures. It grows up to 60 feet, with a 4 inch diameter – straight at the base and arching at the top. Its shoots are edible and of very good quality. This species is fast growing, relatively salt tolerant and useful as a windbreak.

Dendrocalamus minor (Ghost Bamboo)

Widely grown in Asia, especially in China, where it is said to originate. Very elegant, low growing bamboo (it doesn’t get larger than 20-25 feet, with a 2 inch diameter). Makes an attractive, tightly spaced clump, and is an ideal ornamental bamboo species for those who have only limited planting space. The young culms have a similar whitish appearance like D. membranaceus.

Dendrocalamus strictus (Male Bamboo)

Origin: India. This species grows in a very tight clump, up to 45 feet with a 2.5 – 3 inch diameter. D. strictus is a very popular structural bamboo in India (it covers over 50% of all bamboo grown there), and it is also used for pulp/paper production. It can be grown under dry and wet condition, in a variety of soils but it does require good drainage. D. strictus is often planted to reclaim ravine land in India. Its culms are almost solid and thus very strong. Its tensile strength is close to that of mild steel. Besides used in construction (where it is also becoming increasingly used to reinforce concrete), it is also used for furniture and musical instruments. The young shoots are edible, and a decoction of the leaves and nodes is used for medicinal purpose.

Gigantochloa atroviolacea (Java Black Bamboo, Tropical Black Bamboo)

Originates in the Java area. A magnificent, deep purple or black-culmed bamboo which retains its color after harvesting. It is one of the most valued bamboos for furniture and musical instruments. G. atroviolacea grows up to 50 feet tall and has a diameter of about 4 inch. Its shoots are edible but need to be cooked. Grows well in full sun and in a variety of soils.

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