Male Bamboo Calcutta Stricta or Bamboo
Dendrocalamus strictusfam. Poaceae
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Pl. 267C — Dendrocalamus strictus
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IOverview
Overview
Male Bamboo Calcutta Stricta, scientifically known as Dendrocalamus strictus, is a tall graminoid native to the Andaman Islands, Assam, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam. This bamboo thrives in full to partial sun and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 9-12 and can grow up to 15 meters tall. Known for its edible shoots and seeds, this bamboo is not only ornamental but also valuable as a food source.
Quick answers
What is Male Bamboo Calcutta Stricta or Bamboo?
Male Bamboo Calcutta Stricta, scientifically known as Dendrocalamus strictus, is a tall graminoid native to the Andaman Islands, Assam, Cambodia, India, Laos, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Male Bamboo Calcutta Stricta thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist but well-drained soil of medium consistency, though it can adapt to lighter sandy or heavier clay soils. It is hardy in zones 9-12 and grows up to 15 meters tall. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist, especially during dry periods. Propagation occurs through seed or shoots. Given its native range across various tropical and subtropical regions, it requires warmth and humidity for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Male Bamboo Calcutta Stricta or Bamboo for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Male Bamboo Calcutta Stricta in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A young bamboo shoot, gardening gloves, a spade or trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a location with well-draining soil. Amend heavy clay soil with sand if needed.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the bamboo shoot's root ball, then plant it at the same depth it was in its container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun or partial shade and water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged canes to maintain a healthy appearance, but do not harvest shoots for food.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil without amending, and harvesting young shoots before they are mature.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedShoots
Edible uses: The bamboo shoot is the primary edible part of Dendrocalamus strictus, often harvested young and tender for culinary use. These shoots are typically prepared by peeling and slicing them before cooking or pickling. They can be eaten raw in salads but are more commonly cooked in stews, curries, or stir-fries to enhance their flavor and texture. Skip
Other uses:Weaving materialBiomassLumbertextilesErosion control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
11 native · 18 introduced
Distribution
11 native · 18 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 11 native· 18 introduced
Asia12 regions
native (8)CambodiaIndiaLaosMyanmarNepalPakistanThailandVietnam
introduced (4)BangladeshChinaSri LankaTaiwan
Americas4 regions
introduced (4)BahamasCubaHondurasPuerto Rico
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)MadagascarSeychellesTogo
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)New Caledonia
Broader regions
native:West Himalaya, Andaman Is.
introduced:Windward Is., Zaïre, Trinidad-Tobago, Brazil Southeast, Jawa, Malaya
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Poaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Poaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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