Big Green Bamboo in Togo

[Michael]

Hi All,

I traveled to Togo West Africa in September of 08 and stayed there through February 09. Being the bamboo freak that I am, I was anxious to find out about the local tropical bamboo there. Bamboo was prevalent in the landscape and in the wild there and they made utilitarian use from it in so many different ways. (One that really stands out in my mind is the antenna pole.) From the beginning I hear stories about the “Big Green”. I made two expeditions that lead to 2” diameter bamboo (and interesting places).

Then I made it to Kpalime and a little further to a place where one of the Big Green Bamboos grow. (I now know that the true Big Green Bamboo actually grows in western Ghana instead of on the Toga and east Ghana border, according to the truck driver that was working at the job site in Lome, Togo. At least 150mm (6”) diameter he swears.)

Can anyone identify this bamboo for me? I have pictures at:

http://community.webshots.com/user/strider_1952

[kreos123]

Yellow W/Green Stripes: Bambusa vulgaris 'Striata' ('Vittata')