DINOCHLOA
Dinochloa scabrida(?) (Singapore Botanical Gardens, 2006)
Dinochloa means "terrible grass." This
specimen shows the beauty also found in this
genus. Its vine-like nature as it covers this
small resting spot. Unable to support itself, it
depends on surrounding vegetation or
structures for support.
The estimated 32 species are found
growing naturally in Andaman Islands,
Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and
Thailand. Much less is known about
these bamboos as they have traditionally
had limited usefulness to man.
Dinochloa malayana(?) Singapore Botanical Gardens (2006)
Dinochloa have mostly solid culms less than 2 centimeters in width. Most species have solid
culms which zigzag, enabling them to climb into surrounding canopies. The length of culms is
difficult to measure but may be the longest of any bamboo specie at more than 35 meters. If the
culm tip dies, the closest dominant branch will act as the new culm tip and elongate to continue
growth.
www.BambooResearch.com
