Commonly called ‘Giant Bamboo’ Dendrocalamus asper is exactly that. It can reach 30 metres in height with culms 30cm plus in diameter.
Due to its size this is a bamboo variety that is best suited as a feature plant in larger gardens, in Indonesia it is grown in plantations for the timber as well as the edible shoots.
This is a clump forming bamboo with a fast growth rate. Commonly called ‘Dragon Bamboo’, ‘Giant Bamboo’ as well as ‘Rough Bamboo’.
Care and Growing Conditions
This is a plant that grows naturally in tropical to sub tropical areas, temperatures are generally between 14- 25C in cooler months and to around 35C in warmer months.
A humus rich soil is best free draining with a neutral to slightly acidic pH.
Actual growth and look will differ between slightly different varieties on the same species. ‘Betung Hitam’ is the black Asper. ‘Phai Tong Keo’ is grown more for the shoots.
Growth rate is fast in good conditions 4 – 5 inches a day (10 – 13cm)