Oldham’s Bamboo

Bambusa oldhamii Munro

bam-BOO-sah old-ham-ee-eye

Poaceae

Explanation of name: Bambu is an ancient name for bamboos. According to DAV, “Named for Richard Oldham, 19th century plant collector for Kew Gardens, in northern Taiwan.”

Natural range: Asia

Recognition: Very large, sturdy-caned clumping bamboo.  Culms straight and tall with short branches. Culm may be glaucous.

Landscape uses: Large imposing bamboo, long in Florida cultivation. Open clumps with little branching near ground.

Internet sources: http://www.tropicalbamboo.com/Featured_Bamboos.asp

http://www.endangeredspecies.com/Plants/Bamboo/Text/Names/Descriptions/Ba/Bambusa/BO.html

http://www.bambootexas.com/Oldhamii.htm

http://www.desert-tropicals.com/Plants/Poaceae/Bambusa_oldhamii.html