DISTRIBUTION
A large herb grass (bamboo) growing in open grassland, lowlands, and highlands, often on hills or along intermittent watercourses. It is widespread but irregular although generally close together in pure stands. Most hardy of the 3 African species, it is often found on very poor soils in Tanzania (RSCU 1992).
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Minimum Altitude (m): |
500 |
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Maximum Altitude (m): |
2000 |
REQUIREMENTS
Soil Requirements: Slopes and well-drained soils. It can be found on very poor soils.
Influential Factors: Survives fire in its natural habitat.
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Cuttings and rhizomes like sugar cane. Seed is rare.
SILVICULTURE
Planting Types: Has potential for agroforestry and for planting around homes.
Growth Factors: Very fast growing.
Growth Cycle: Flowering occurs gregariously over wide areas about every 70 years. The clump dies and sprouts 1 year later from rhizomes. Evidence indicates that each plant flowers once in its life time and then dies (Palgrave 1988).
Management Systems: Needs to be controlled by cutting.
IMPORTANT USES
Use #1: BEVERAGE
It is used in the production of alcohol and wine. In parts of Tanzania women depend on this species for local beer production as a major source of income.
Use #2: FIBRE
It is used to make various types of local baskets for transporting produce, such as tomatoes in Iringa.
Use #3: BUILDING MATERIALS
It is in high demand as a building material. It is used for scaffolding, furniture, general house construction, and fencing. Fences are susceptible to damage by termites and borers. The small stems are used for pipes and arrow shafts.
OTHER USES: It is used for soil erosion control and the rehabilitation of degraded sites.
