Bambusa vulgaris (common bamboo).

Bambusa vulgaris is the most commonly encountered bamboo in cultivation in SE Asia but is rarely found in natural forest (although possibly natural, or escaped, naturalized populations exist). It is grown pantropically, and is the only Asian species that is common in the New World. Ease of propagation is the main reason for its success, culms and branches rooting very readily indeed. Infrequency of flowering, failure to produce seed and divert resources away from culm production, and recovery of clumps after flowering are other assets, and may be a result of repeated selection and cloning (Stapleton, 1990). Although not very straight, not easy to split, and inflexible, the culms are thick-walled and initially strong although relatively susceptible to powder-post beetle attack. They find many uses, although structural use is not recommended without preservation to protect against beetles. The ease of propagation, long life expectancy, and high yield make this species better suited to production of pulp and biomass for energy. Susceptibility to bamboo blight is of concern, especially on sites with impeded drainage. Repeated vegetative propagation has resulted in reduced genetic variability. Ornamental clones with all yellow, or yellow striped culms, or shortened, swollen culm internodes ('Wamin') are widely cultivated.