This section lists the tropical bamboo plant varieties we have in production. They
are all tropical, or sub-tropical, clumping bamboos and are generally not
cold-hardy like the temperate, running bamboos. Some, the sub-tropicals, can
tolerate freezing temperatures for short periods. Check the minimum
temperatures listed on each species description as a guideline for which
species can grow unprotected in your area.
Use our Search Bamboo page to find something specific.
A rare timber bamboo species in the United States. The limited stock is currently flowering and a few have produced large, viable seeds after hand-pollinating. These seeds were directly collected from the positively identified species, not from eBay or other unreliable seed source. They were germinated and the seedlings are vigorous. We won't know for a couple of years if these seedlings will develop the typical features of the species (especially the large culms that age to a burnt reddish color). Edible shoots and good quality construction timber. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click here to find zone.
Described as the largest bamboo in the world (largest culm diameter). The species is most know for its almost grotesque, tortured-looking culms. The culms grow in a contorted, curving form that resemble an elephant's trunk. As the bamboo matures, each new shoot will emerge larger and develop into a twisting freak show that we all hope for. Translated (Chinese) stories and info about the Dai People's "King of all Bamboos" can be found by following this link:
Dragon Bamboo.
Min USDA zone: 9b. Click here to find zone.
Re-imported from Xishuangbanna, Nov/2012 into USDA quarantine. Finally, in March/2015, the species was released to us from USDA quarantine (the 2013 US government shutdown was largely to blame for the release delay). Propagation is underway but availability is still somewhat limited.
The original single released specimen is now happily growing in our nursery field. It's been exciting to watch this species develop in the USA!
This sub-species differs from the original form in that its lower internodes are straight, not slanted, zig-zag, or curved. There are no tortured-looking culms. The overall mature dimensions are the same as the original form and, because the culms are entirely straight, this form is high in demand in Yunnan (China) for construction material.
Described as the largest bamboo in the world (largest culm diameter).
Min USDA zone: 9b.
Re-imported April/2012 into USDA quarantine - released to us in July/2013. New stock will be available in the summer of 2019.
Min USDA zone: 9b.
Click here to find zone.
Jim Parker's giant bamboo in Hawaii. Huge and legendary. Species identity is in question. Very rare in the continental U.S.A., now being propagated at our nursery. Claims of 10” diameter, 120' tall culms in Kohala, Hawaii are exaggerated. This is, however, an extremely large-growing timber bamboo and massive 7" diameter 80' culms would not be unusual. NOTE: This bamboo is currently flowering gregariously, worldwide. We will no longer sell any of this species until, or unless, the species survives what will be a multi-year flowering event
Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
Dendrocalamus strictus - Calcutta Bamboo or Male Bamboo
The lower parts of the culms are sometimes solid. Drought tolerant. The most common and most useful bamboo in India. Many cultivars being distributed as this species (somewhere in the world) seems to always be in flower, and producing seed. The cultivar listed here was grown from seed collected in 1995 (India - Londono/Lucas). It has developed into a highly-ornamental cultivar with small slender leaves and a willowy overall appearance. A pleasant surprise from a species that originated with minimal expectations. Grows up to 40' tall with 2.5" diameter culms in Florida. Minimum temp. 30 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click here to find zone.
A very large, bamboo from the foothills of the Himalayas in Tibet and Yunnan, where it grows at altitude of up to 5000 feet. The culms can reach a height of 75' tall and a diameter of 7". The leaves have a length of up to 18". One of the more cold-hardy species of the genus Dendrocalamus.
Min USDA zone: 9b Click here to find zone.
***2012 import by Tropical Bamboo Nursery
New import from southern China. This bamboo is featured with a beautiful photo in the book, 'A Compendium of Chinese Bamboo'
Grows erect culms with pendulous tips. We're currently test-growing and will post photos and a detailed description by the end of 2014.
Click here to find zone.
Tall, erect culms. Convex joint with internode slightly contracted inward.
Will grow to at least 60' tall with 4" diameter culms in South Florida.
Minimum temp. is unknown. No problems at 31 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9b? Click here to find zone.
A massive bamboo species that resembles Dendrocalamus giganteus. Used for construction and for its edible shoots.
New import. This bamboo is extremely rare and we should have limited propagules available by late 2016.
From SW Yunnan, China, in the Xishuangbanna region (near Lijiang). We have only one test-specimen but expect that it will grow well in similar conditions as D.giganteus thrives in (South Florida). Click here to find zone.
Culms are noted for their pale, pea-green coloration. A timber bamboo from southeast Yunnan and Vietnam. Edible shoots. 60' tall, 5" diameter culms in Florida. Min temp. 30 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click here to find zone.
Vining bamboo that's similar to Dinochloa malayana, but larger. It originated as a seedling on Hainan Island (China) and was brought to South China Botanic Garden (Guangzhou). During a collection visit in 2013, I noticed it twisting and weaving its way through the canopy of several large trees. I had to have this jungle bamboo and sent a few samples to the USDA quarantine facility.
Availability in 2017.
Will grow 45' vining culms up to 1" in diameter. Minimum temp. 33 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 10. Click to find your zone<
From Malaysia and Thailand. A vining bamboo with rough culms. The culms actually have a texture that is angled in one direction - downward. If you rub a culm from the top down, there is minimal resistance. Reverse direction and you can feel the grip. This evolutionary feature allows the culms to attach to plants and trees. There are also small secondary branches that develop into spikelets, also for grabbing and attachment purposes. Will grow 30' vining culms up to 1/2" in diameter. Minimum temp. 33 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 10. Click to find your zone.
The new culms are dark green covered with white powder which gives them a bluish look. Small clumping, mountain bamboo. Should not be grown in full-sun - especially in South Florida. Does well when planted in filtered sunlight. Will grow to about 8'-10' tall. Min USDA zone: 8b. Click to find your zone.
One of the smaller-growing Gigantochloas. Beautiful white striation on the culms with light cilia (hair) on the culm sheaths. The fully grown culm often bends down to the ground, especially after rain. Large branches at base. smaller near tip.
Gigantochloa nigrociliata is somewhat of a sister species and can be viewed by clicking this side-by-side comparison photo link.
Will grow to 25' with 1" diameter culms in Florida. Minimum temp. 30 degrees F. MIn USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.
This Java native has large leaves and thick-walled culms which are densely hairy when young. Clump growth is fairly open, with culms erect or arching above.
Tabasheer is a translucent white substance, composed mainly of silica and water with traces of lime and potash, obtained from within the culms, at the nodal joints, of some species of bamboo. It is especially sought after, and found, within the culms of this species. Tabasheer is claimed to provide a variety of health benefits and is used in traditional Indian and Chinese medicines.
Will grow to 65' tall with 4" diameter culms. Minimum temp 27 degrees F - USDA Zone 9b
