Bhalu bans
Dendrocalamus hookeri
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A thin walled bamboo. It is about 25 m high. The culms are 12-18 cm long and 7-10 cm wide. The culm (stem) sheath in 15-25 cm long. The sheath is broad at the base with black or brown hairs outside. The leaves have short stalks. They are 30-40 cm long. They are oblong or sword shaped. The leaves end in a twisted point. The flower is in a large compound panicle. It flowers occasionally.
There are about 29 Dendrocalamus species.
Where it is found
A subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 600-2000 m altitude.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Himalayas, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The young shoots are used as a vegetable.
It is cultivated.
Edible parts
Shoots
How it is grown
It is grown by cuttings of the stem.
Its other names
Local names
Govon, Rapi, Wabo-e, Watangkhoi