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Bamboo (Dendrocalamus sinicus): The World's Largest Bamboo Species

Overview

Dendrocalamus sinicus is considered the largest bamboo species in the world, native to southern China and Laos. It forms massive clumps with colossal culms reaching 100-150 feet tall and up to 12-18 inches in diameter. The culms are thick-walled and extremely strong. A true giant of the grass world.

Taxonomy & Nomenclature

Family:	Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Dendrocalamus (den-droh-KAL-uh-mus)
Species:	sinicus

Synonyms: Bambusa latiflora, Dendrocalamus sinicus f. aequotus.

Cultivation & Uses

Tropical to subtropical (USDA zones 10-11); full sun; deep, rich, moist soil. **Clumping bamboo** – non-invasive. Requires enormous space. Used for heavy construction, bridges, furniture, and paper. Edible shoots. Rare in cultivation outside its native range due to size and climate needs. A botanical marvel.

Grasses and Bamboo: Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra); Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus asper); Angel Mist Bamboo 'Amoenus' (Dendrocalamus minor): Ghostly White-Powdered Culms; Bamboo (Dendrocalamus sinicus): The World's Largest Bamboo Species; Robust Fargesia (Fargesia robusta): A Tall, Clumping Bamboo for Screening; Dwarf Bamboo (Dendrocalamus minor): A Small, Clumping Tropical Bamboo; Incense Bamboo (Phyllostachys atrovaginata): A Running Bamboo with Fragrant Culms; Bamboo (Gigantochloa pseudoarundinacea); Bamboo (Fargesia denudata); Bamboo (Bambusa arnhemica)

Garden Articles

Canebrake Bamboo (Arundinaria gigantea)

Hardy Bamboo (Fargesia rufa)

Running Bamboo (Phyllostachys vivax)

Weaver's Bamboo (Bambusa textilis)

Giant Bamboo (Dendrocalamus giganteus): Towering Tropical Timber Bamboo

Monastery Bamboo (Thyrsostachys siamensis): Elegant Clumping Bamboo for Warm Climates

Bamboo 'Kimmei' (Semiarundinaria yashadake): Variegated Running Bamboo with Sulcate Culms

Plants

Marbled Bamboo (Chimonobambusa marmorea): Rare Running Bamboo with Marbled Culms

Common Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris): The Classic Tropical Clumping Bamboo

Beechey Bamboo (Bambusa beecheyana): Large Tropical Clumper with Edible Shoots

Arrow Bamboo (Pseudosasa japonica): Broad-Leaved Running Bamboo for Shade

Bamboo 'Kimmei' (Semiarundinaria yashadake): Variegated Running Bamboo with Yellow Sulcus

Marbled Bamboo (Chimonobambusa marmorea): Rare Running Bamboo with Marbled Culms

Common Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris): Giant Tropical Clumping Bamboo