16 bamboo species named for R&D work

Sixteen bamboo species that thrive in the country have been identified for R&D.

These are Indian bamboo, kawayan-tinik, Oldham bamboo, bayog, laak, kawayan-kiling giant bamboo, machiku, Calcutta bamboo, kayali, bolo, iron bamboo, muli bamboo, anos, buho, and Thailand bamboo.

The priority species were cited in a new book titled "Bamboo production in the Philippines." PCARRD funded the publication of the volume, which was authored by Dr. Felizardo Virtucio and Cristina Roxas of the Los Baños-based Department of Environment and Natura Resources-Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB).

All the species are economically important and have many commercial uses such as furniture, handicraft, paper, hat, chopstick, musical instrument, household utensil, prop, fishing rod, fuel, for cooking, mast, and outriggers. – RAF