europe

Europe has used bamboo as an ornamental plant since the eighteenth century. The only
occupied continent to have no native species, bamboo was imported in the 1700?s
specifically for use as an ornamental. Europe formed one of the first societies for the
promotion and preservation of ornamental bamboos. The European Bamboo Society
(EBS) represents eight countries and promotes the importance of ornamental bamboo in
Europe. Some nurseries in Europe offer more than 150 ornamental species, most of
which are adapted to the colder climates experienced in this continent. Dr. Ohrnberger
references the horticultural use in Europe of more than 200 species and varieties of
Bambuseae growing in almost every condition. Research on ornamental grasses and
bamboos in Europe has shown that at least 4 species have adapted and performed well
even in the cold, northern climate of Denmark. Kew Gardens, in England, has been
responsible for a lot of the early research and remains one of the most important and
extensive herbariums on bamboo research. European researchers have actively pursued
tissue culture experiments and genetically improved ornamental bamboos. Some labs
have commercial production of more than 60 species for both ornamental and
agricultural use.