Family: Poaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Dendrocalamus sikkimensis, commonly known as Philippine sweet shoot bamboo, is a large, clumping bamboo native to parts of South and Southeast Asia. Adapted to tropical and subtropical climates, it forms tight, upright clumps with tall, sturdy culms and lush green foliage. This species is valued both for its ornamental appeal and practical uses. The young shoots are edible and appreciated for their mild flavor, while mature canes are used for fencing, stakes, light construction, and other garden or household purposes. Its dense growth also makes it well suited for windbreaks, privacy screens, and landscape accents.

Risks & Threats
Philippine sweet shoot bamboo is considered low risk because it is a clumping (non-running) bamboo that spreads gradually and predictably rather than aggressively through long underground rhizomes. There is no strong evidence of widespread naturalization or ecological harm in tropical island environments. However, like other large bamboos, it can form dense stands if neglected, which may shade out nearby vegetation on a local scale. With proper placement and routine maintenance, this species is unlikely to pose significant environmental concerns.

High Risk Traits:

• Broad elevational distribution within native range (500 - 2100 m)
  
• Unconfirmed report of toxicity to cattle and horses
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Seeds dispersed by gravity, people and probably wind
  
• Possibly prolific seed production when maturity is reached
  
• Will resprout after repeated cutting or harvesting of shoots and culms (may be difficult to remove from unwanted areas)

Low Risk Traits:

• No negative impacts have been documented
  
• Non-toxic to people
  
• Edible shoots
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• A sympodial, or clumping bamboo
  
• Long time to reproductive maturity (decades)
  
• Lack of seed production until possibly at the end of long life cycle