also known as guadua angustifolia

Harvesting bamboo Black spot on mature bamboo

Guadua bamboo or known as Bamboo Apus in Indonesia scientific name is guadua angustifolia, it is real timber bamboo originating from South America South east Asia, The genus Guadua include generally low-elevation bamboos but some memebers have been found at elevations up to 2,500 meters. Species of Guadua range from San Luis de Potosi in Mexico (23* N) to Uruguay and Argentina (35 S) but are not native to Chile or the west Indies, although G. angustifolia has been cultivated in Cuba, Puerto Rico, and Trinidad. Guadua occurs in diverse habitats including lowland tropical and lower-montane forest, savannas, cerrados, gallery forest, and disturbed inter-Andean valley vegetation. The generic name derives from the vernacular names used by indigenous communities in Colombia and Ecuador. Guadua angustifolia is the physically largest native bamboos in the Neotropics; its culms may reach 100 ft in height and 7 to 9 inches in diameter. Guadua angustifolia also is the most economically important tropical bamboo in America duo to its large size, exceptional timber qualities, versatility, and natural durability.

Guadua bamboo is very straight thick walled well spaced dark green culms with prominent white bands at each of its closely spaced nodes. Thorny. The nodes of the Apus bamboo in South east Asia is typical longer. Culms branchless for three to five metres with vivid light green medium sized leaves . Dark red to light bronze shoots contrasting the new green internode during early growth. Spectacular when mature.

One of the most economical important bamboo species in the world, the native of South America have been using this bamboo for construction, making tool, utensiles from the bamboo for thousand of years before the European arrived. Guadua is thick wall, and structurally stronger than the wood or even the steel in some respect. These bamboo are also widely used in Indonesia all many kind of construction also.

Why do some Guadua bamboo poles have dark spots? The exact cause for dark spots on the outer layer of Guadua Bamboo poles are yet unknown. What is certain is that these stains origin from lichens. Lichens are organisms that grow on different surfaces such as tree bark, rock, roof tiles, or walls. The dark spots on bamboo poles are a result of the metabolic activities of these lichen and its interaction with the bamboo surface on which it grow

In natural bamboo forests or plantations, the presence of lichens on bamboo culms serves as an important indicator for determining their age. Once Guadua angustifolia culms reach 3 years of age, grayish-white lichens and mosses gradually start to appear on the culms.

As the years progress (typically between years 4 to 6), the entire culm becomes covered with these organisms, signaling that the bamboo has fully hardened and is ready for harvesting.

It is important to note that lichens are not parasitic to the host; they do not feed of the bamboo but derive nutrients from the air and rain without impacting the integrity of the bamboo fibers. Therefore, the discoloration is a surface phenomenon, and not a deep-rooted problem that affects the structural integrity of the bamboo.

In certain regions of Colombia, some of these greyish-white lichens cause dark spots on the bamboo and in other regions they do not (or less). While the scientific explanation for this phenomenon has yet to be proven, we have developed several possible theories over the years.

One notable observation is that the proximity of cattle to the bamboo plantation appears to increase the likelihood of dark spots on the culms. This suggests that the presence of ammonia and acidic pH values may serve as triggering factors for a reaction between the lichens and the outer layer of the bamboo. However, it is important to note that other factors including humidity, light, and temperature also contribute significantly to this process.

For instance, Guadua angustifolia cultivated at higher altitudes (1,600 meters above sea level) generally exhibits a greater number of spots compared to bamboo harvested at lower altitudes. The colder temperatures at higher altitudes slow down the growth of Guadua Bamboo, resulting in a denser and harder culm. This characteristic, similar to the growth pattern of trees, translates into an excellent material for heavy-duty construction purposes. Therefore, the presence of dark spots on

Embracing Natural Beauty

Dark spots on Guadua Bamboo poles are primarily an aesthetic issue that is often culturally driven. In tropical areas where this bamboo grows, and where people maintain a close connection with nature, these 'imperfections' contribute to the natural beauty and uniqueness of Guadua. However, in the Western world, where uniform industrial materials set the standard, the acceptance of natural imperfections is comparatively lower.

It is important to recognize that Guadua Bamboo poles are one of the strongest natural building materials in the world. They do not undergo extensive industrial processing and, even when transported from distant regions, they have a CO2 negative impact. Each bamboo pole possesses a distinctive shape and appearance, which should be appreciated much like knots are embraced as natural characteristics of wood.

Therefore, it is important to understand that dark spots on Guadua bamboo poles are not caused by mold, rot or other defects, as is sometimes misconceived. In fact, Guadua with dark spots is now being marketed as �Tiger Guadua� or �Tiger Bamboo� at premium prices, signifying its exceptional quality. Embracing the uniqueness offered by these dark spots adds to the overall appeal and value of Guadua Bamboo.

black spot on Apus bamboo Natural black spot