Bikal
Schizostachyum diffusum

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A climbing bamboo with far reaching branches. The stems are green, smooth and without thorns. The internodes are 12 to 20 cm long. The nodes are slanted and swollen. Roots do not form from the nodes. The leaves are usually broad rounded at the base and the mouth of the leaf sheaths have long bristly hairs.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. Widely distributed in the forests throughout the Philippines. It grows in primary forests between 200-1,200 m above sea level in Taiwan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Taiwan

How it is used for food

The freshly cut stems store good quality drinking water.

Edible parts

Shoots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Arundarbor diffusa (Blanco) Kuntze; Bambusa diffusa Blanco; Dinochloa diffusa (Blanco) Merr.;