Family: Poaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Gigantochloa verticillata, commonly known as greater giant bamboo, is native to Borneo, Cambodia, Jawa, Malaya, Myanmar, Sumatera, Thailand, and Vietnam. This bamboo species is known for its impressive height, often reaching up to 20 meters, with thick, strong culms that are highly valued for construction, scaffolding, furniture, and craftwork. Its dense green foliage also makes it an attractive ornamental plant for gardens and landscapes, and it is sometimes used for erosion control or as a windbreak in agricultural areas.

Risks & Threats
Gigantochloa verticillata is considered low risk in the Hawaiian Islands. It grows well in cultivated areas but does not typically spread aggressively in natural ecosystems. With proper management, it poses minimal ecological threat and can be safely enjoyed for its ornamental beauty and practical uses.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Natural hybrids on Sumatra have been observed to produce seeds.
  
• May produce viable seeds that can be dispersed by gravity, wind or people
  
• 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
  
• Edible shoots
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• A sympodial, or clumping bamboo
  
• Flowering occurs rarely
  
• Lack of seed production until end of long life cycle