Bamboo, a plant often associated with the lush landscapes of Asia, is a remarkable grass with a global reach. While its presence is particularly prominent in regions like China and Japan, bamboo’s diverse species also thrive across Africa. This versatile plant is indeed an integral part of African ecosystems.
Native Bamboo Species of Africa
Bamboo is unequivocally native to Africa, with several distinct species flourishing across the continent. Among the most widespread is Oxytenanthera abyssinica, commonly known as African Lowland Bamboo or Savanna Bamboo. This woody grass typically forms dense clumps, with culms (stems) reaching heights of 6 to 9 meters and diameters of 7.5 to 10 centimeters. It is recognized for its drought tolerance and robust, often solid, culms that become hollow with age.
Another prominent native species is Yushania alpina, also known as African Alpine Bamboo. This species grows 15 to 18 meters tall, with some reaching up to 20 meters. It possesses a clumping root system and is adapted to cooler, high-altitude environments. Other native African bamboo genera include Bergbambos (e.g., Bergbambos tessellata in southern Africa) and Oreobambos (Oreobambos buchwaldii in East Africa).
Where Native Bamboo Thrives
Native African bamboo species are found in specific geographical regions and ecological niches tailored to their growth requirements. Oxytenanthera abyssinica is widely distributed throughout tropical Africa, extending from Senegal in the west to Ethiopia in the east, and southwards into Angola, Mozambique, and northern South Africa. This lowland bamboo thrives in savanna woodlands, semi-arid wooded grasslands, and thickets, often found along rivers, drainage lines, and on termite mounds. It typically grows at altitudes ranging from 300 to 1500 meters, though it can occur from sea level up to 2000 meters. Ethiopia holds extensive stands of this species, covering approximately 850,000 hectares.
Yushania alpina, the African Alpine Bamboo, prefers cooler, high-altitude environments of East Africa. It forms dense stands on mountains and volcanoes surrounding the East African Rift, between 2500 and 3300 meters above sea level. Its habitat spans across Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and Zambia. Significant concentrations are found in Kenya’s Aberdare Range, Mau Range, and Mount Kenya. Bergbambos tessellata is unique to the mountains of South Africa, Lesotho, and Swaziland. Oreobambos buchwaldii is found in eastern DR Congo, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, inhabiting forest clearings and stream banks at altitudes between 300 and 2000 meters.
Native Versus Introduced Varieties
While Africa has native bamboo species, many bamboos observed or cultivated today are introduced varieties. These introduced species, primarily from Asia, have been brought to Africa for various purposes:
- Ornamental gardening
- Construction materials
- Agricultural applications
- Pulp production for paper
- Edible shoots
- Livestock feed
- Erosion control
- Carbon sequestration
- Biofuels
Common introduced species include Bambusa vulgaris, widespread across sub-Saharan Africa and cultivated for construction. Other examples are Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), Dendrocalamus asper, and Bambusa balcooa. Distinguishing native from introduced species involves observing their growth habits and environmental preferences. Native African bamboos are tropical clumpers, growing in tight clusters, while some introduced species, like Moso, are temperate and prefer cooler climates. Specific uses and local cultivation patterns also provide clues, as many introduced species are grown for commercial or industrial applications.