Savanah Bamboo
Oxytenanthera abyssynicafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. 7ACD — Oxytenanthera abyssynica
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IOverview
Overview
Savanah Bamboo, scientifically known as Oxytenanthera abyssynica, is a tall graminoid belonging to the Fabaceae family, native to regions in Africa including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, and Congo. This plant is known for its edible parts, including sap, seeds, and shoots, making it a valuable resource in certain contexts. Savanah Bamboo thrives in full sun and can adapt to a variety of soil types—light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay)—and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions. Standing at 12 meters tall, it is recognized for its utility in providing biomass, serving as a fire starter, fencing material, animal feed, lumber, wind breaker, and erosion control. Its distinctive appearance and practical uses make it a notable addition to landscapes where it can be cultivated. While not traditionally used for medicinal purposes, Savanah Bamboo is an important resource for its edible and practical benefits.
Quick answers
What is Savanah Bamboo?
Savanah Bamboo, scientifically known as Oxytenanthera abyssynica, is a tall graminoid belonging to the Fabaceae family, native to regions in Africa including Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, and Congo.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Savanah Bamboo (Oxytenanthera abyssynica) thrives in full sun and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay). It prefers dry to moist conditions and is hardy in zones 10-12. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining to prevent waterlogging. This bamboo can grow up to 12 meters tall and is best propagated through shoots. Harvest its edible parts, including sap, seeds, and shoots, with care.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
12.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Savanah Bamboo for the first time
8steps
Start with Savannah Bamboo as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A Savannah Bamboo plant or seedling, suitable soil, and a container if planting in a pot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Savannah Bamboo during the spring when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy), medium, or heavy clay. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from the nursery to your garden or pot, ensuring they are at the same depth as in their original container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly but ensure the soil does not dry out completely. Place in a sunny spot and avoid direct midday sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, water only when the soil is dry, and use light fertilization once or twice during the growing season.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead or damaged shoots to maintain plant health. Harvest young shoots for culinary use if desired.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy shade, and not providing enough drainage are common issues to avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SapSeedShoots
Edible uses: Drink
Other uses:BiomassFire starterFencingAnimal feedLumberWind breakerErosion control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
33 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
33 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 33 native
Africa28 regions
native (28)AngolaBeninBurkina FasoBurundiCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireEquatorial GuineaEritreaEthiopiaGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauKenyaMalawiMaliMozambiqueNigerNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSudanTanzaniaTogoUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Congo, Gulf of Guinea Is., Northern Provinces, Zaïre
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 (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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