Li zhu
Melocanna humilis

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A bamboo. The rhizome or underground stem is cylinder shaped and up to 5 m long. The culms are upright and 8-20 m tall. They are 3-7 cm across. The fruit are pear shaped and large. They are 5-12 cm long by 5-7 cm wide and fleshy. It is similar to but smaller than Melocanna baccifera.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, China, India, Indochina, Myanmar (country/location of origin), Northeastern India, SE Asia, Taiwan, Thailand

How it is used for food

The leaves are used for making wine. The seeds are edible.

It is a cultivated food plant.

Edible parts

Leaves - wine, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Kayin-wa-gale, Phai kriab, To-bin-daing-gale

Synonyms

Melocanna arundina C. E. Parkinson;