Bamboo Species of Honduras

6 genera, 11 species

Of the 11 native woody bamboo species occurring in Honduras, only 4, besides several Asiatic ones, have economic potential.

Otatea fimbriata, Guadua amplexifolia, G. aculeata and G. paniculata are the native bamboos that can be promoted as useful in environmental protection and in economic activities.

At present, G. aculeata grows wild at the western end of Cordillera de Nombre de Dios at 700-900 m elevation, and probably also in the Lancetilla valley. G. amplexifolia occurs in the departments of Cortez and Comayagua at 200-700 m elevation. G. paniculata is the most widespread Guadua species in the country; it is found along riverbanks between Guatemala and Honduras border, and in the departments of El Paraiso, Olancho and Cortez at elevations of 300-600 m.

During the height of banana production, the United Fruit Company made in Lancetilla and extensive experimental planting of native and introduced bamboos for trial as banana props. About 61% of the exotic bamboos species occurring in Central America are growing in this Experimental Station. Guadua was an important resource for the company. Natural populations of the genus have now diminished by over-harvesting.

Native woody bamboo species of Honduras:

Source: INBAR