Botanical Name: Bambusa balcooa
Family: POACEAE
Native to: India

This large Bamboo can grow to a height of 25 m and has clumps up 15 cm wide. It grows in vigorous and attractive clumps, and when managed properly, produces very straight, strong timber – making it particularly useful for building purposes.

In Vietnam and Indonesia it is used in basketry, crafts and house construction. Giant Bamboo is commonly seen on the north east coast of New South Wales where it was planted between the 1850s and 1950s. Its large, green dark, hair-covered shoots are edible to humans, but only if prepared properly.

Location in Zoo: A large stand borders the paved Café eating out area, as well as outside the Nocturnal House and opposite Penguin Plunge.

Use in the Zoo: Although used as a spectacular ornamental plant, this is the only species of Bamboo that we DO NOT use for fodder.