Gigantochloa parvifolia

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A large bamboo. It keeps growing from year to year. The stems are about 2-7 cm across. The culm sheaths are 20-23 cm long and 20-25 cm wide. The leaves are narrowly sword shaped and 8-10 cm long by 1.2 cm wide. They are rounded at the base and twisted at the tip.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The shoots are eaten as a vegetable. They are also fermented and used in chutney. The seeds are used for making beer. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

Shoots are sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Shoots, seeds

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Tseikdoo-mindoo, Wa mia, Wathai, Wathau-washi

Synonyms

Gigantochloa parvifolia (Brandis ex Gamble) H. B. Naithani [Illegitimate]; Oxytenanthera parvifolia Brandis ex Gamble; Pseudoxytenanthera parvifolia (Gamble) T. Q. Nguyen;