2nd of 3-- ID needed! Thanks!

[Bamboo-Bob]

I simply wished to get confirmation on a few pieces of boo without mixing up the replies in one post. It could even be the same type of bamboo, simply not as densely grown. Although, it seems the nodes are at a shorter interval than the other I posted the other day.

These photos are of some HUGE bamboo. It seems to be a clumper, as I only saw it in distinct clumps, but again...I am less than a novice at this.

These things are much more larger than those in my last post. I could barely get my hand around them, and I have large hands! Maybe 4"-5" in diameter! The sheaths were also huge and encompassed most of the culm, many covered my palm entirely.

The boo in my last post were from 6 to 8 and maybe 9 meters tall...but THIS one...WOW...It maybe had a good 4-5 meters on a two story in the adjacent lot...and it appeared to be pure 'shoot'...no leaves at all...just way up there and quite pointed.

I am investing in a few books on bamboo and have weary eyes from reading online for many hours a day. So I thank those in advance and wish to make clear that my efforts to find confirmation are not due to laziness, but for the sake of being sure. (That is why the forum exists, right?) -smile-

Thanks again!

[marcat]

That diameter in the Houston area odds are it is an B. oldhammi. I looked at your first post but could not see overall shape. That dense you probably have a multiplex would bet "Green Hedge".
Have you ever been to Mercer on the east side of Houston? Check it out they have may bamboo with lables. They also have a bamboo group that meets once a month I think the last Saturday of the month.
MarCat

[Bamboo-Bob]

@marcat

Thank you for the heads up on Mercer! I have yet to visit, but plan to do so soon! I thank you for your input on the boo! I will try to post an additional photo of the first boo against this one, just as a frame of reference. It may help some ID the type.

-NOTE- I only posted more than one thread so as not to create a thick cloud of ambiguity. I will consider the bandwidth. I will only post one or two more, if that is too much too often, please do let me know!!

It could be that I have read so many things about bamboo in the last week and have touched so many different types around town...I am not sure if the boo in this thread had a thin coating of white or grey. -laughs- I think it did have some on the older culms, but again...too much reading and touching this week to be sure. Yes, I have already grabbed a notebook to go back and document everything I can about everything I came across this week!

Thanks again to all who help!! (<--small attempt to save time and virtual space:) ) I look forward to learning as much as I can about this awesome plant!

[Mike McG]

…I could barely get my hand around them, and I have large hands! Maybe 4"-5" in diameter! The sheaths were also huge and encompassed most of the culm, many covered my palm entirely…

A culm diameter of 4-5 inches is really large, similar to or larger than a 4-inch ID PVC sewer pipe. Although there are several bamboo that might get that large; in the Houston area, as Marcat indicates, it is most likely Bambusa oldhamii which is fairly common. This is a fairly distinctive upright narrow bamboo with the branches close to the culm. The tip top frequently tends to droop over.

The Bamboo Meetings at Mercer BG are on the fourth Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.-noon. This is frequently the last Saturday of the month, but not always. There will not be one this month because it would conflict with the Mercer March Mart Plant Sale that is open to the public http://www.hcp4.net/mercer/marchmart/index.htm . This is a big event, about 5,000 people attend, and there will be knowledgeable people selling bamboo.

Mike near Brenham TX

[marcat]

Oops forgot about March Mart. Sujest you go to Mercer before March Mart them go to March Mart and check it out. Can get good deals there.
MarCat