Kingdom Plantae Family Poaceae Rank Species | Order Poales Genus Schizostachyum | |
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Similar Schizostachyum, Schizostachyum brachycladum, Cephalostachyum, Drepanostachyum, Nastus | ||
Schizostachyum glaucifolium, common name Polynesian ʻohe, is a species of bamboo.
Contents
Distribution
This species is native to the South-Central Pacific, from French Polynesia to the Marquesas Islands and Society Islands in Tahiti, as well as the Southwestern Pacific in American Samoa and Fiji.
It is cultivated in the United States, and grows in the wild in Hawaii.
Habitat
This species prefers tropical or subtropical climates. It can be found mainly along the banks of rivers and streams and on hillsides, at an elevation of 0–900 metres (0–2,953 ft) above sea level.
Description
Schizostachyum glaucifolium can reach a typical height of 15 metres (49 ft) and a culm diameter of 8 centimetres (3.1 in). This evergreen clump-forming bamboo shows thin walls, long internodes and yellow woody culms with green stripes.
Human culture
These bamboos have been introduced in French Polynesia by ancient Polynesians for its many uses (baskets, mats, musical instruments, small containers, fishing rods, etc.).