Family: Poaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Chloothamnus elatus (New Guinea edible bamboo, nastus bamboo) is a tropical bamboo species native to Papua New Guinea. It is a tall, clumping bamboo with upright green culms and dense foliage that gives it an attractive, lush appearance. This species is valued as an ornamental for tropical landscapes, screening, and erosion control. As its common name suggests, the young shoots are also edible and may be harvested for food. Its rapid growth and tropical adaptability make it appealing for gardens, agroforestry, and specialty bamboo plantings in warm climates.

Risks & Threats
Chloothamnus elatus is considered a low-risk species for Hawaii at this time. It is not known to be invasive in the Hawaiian Islands and has not demonstrated aggressive spread or major ecological impacts. Like many bamboos, however, it can form dense clumps if not properly maintained, which may make management more difficult in small landscapes. Care should still be taken to monitor plantings and prevent unwanted spread into nearby natural areas. When responsibly cultivated and maintained, this species is not expected to pose significant threats to tropical island ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Forms dense thickets
  
• Reproduces vegetatively (clump divisions)
  
• Intentionally dispersed by people (food, ornamental)
  
• Native to tropical climates

Low Risk Traits:

• No naturalization beyond native range
  
• No congeneric weeds
  
• No spines, thorns, or burrs
  
• Non-toxic to humans and animals
  
• Palatable to grazers
  
• No broad climate versatility (limited to USDA zones 8–11)
  
• No specialist pollinators required (grass, generalist)