6 genera, 11 species
From the 11 native woody bamboo species occurring in Honduras, only 4, besides several Asiatic ones, have economic potential. Otatea fimbriata, Guadua amplexifolia, Guadua aculeata and Guadua paniculata are the native bamboos that can be promoted as useful in environmental protection and in economic activities.
At present, Guadua aculeata grows wild at the western end of Cordillera de Nombre de Dios at 700-900m elevation, and probably also in the Lancetilla valley. Guadua amplexifolia occurs in the departments of Cortez and Comayagua at 200-700m elevation. Guadua paniculata is the most widespread Guadua species in the Honduras; it is found along riverbanks between Guatemala and Honduras border, and in the departments of El Paraiso, Olancho and Cortez at elevations of 300-600m.
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 Bamboo Species of Honduras
| Species | Diameter | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Arthrostylidium excelsum | ∅ 3 mm | ⇑ 5 m |
| Aulonemia clarkiae | ∅ 16 mm | ⇑ 8 m |
| Chusquea deflexa | ∅ 8 mm | ⇑ 2 m |
| Chusquea lanceolata | ∅ 20 mm | ⇑ 8 m |
| Guadua amplexifolia | ∅ 100 mm | ⇑ 15 m |
| Guadua aculeata | ∅ 200 mm | ⇑ 30 m |
| Guadua macclurei | ∅ 40 mm | ⇑ 15 m |
| Guadua paniculata | ∅ 70 mm | ⇑ 10 m |
| Otatea fimbriata | ||
| Rhipidocladum pittieri | ∅ 10 mm | ⇑ 10 m |
| Rhipidocladum racemiflorum | ∅ 10 mm | ⇑ 15 m |
Source: INBAR
Phyllostachys aurea can also be found in Honduras. At Finca Las Quebraditas (Cerro de Hula, Santa Ana, FM), near the mountains surrounding Tegucigalpa, we are striving to produce this valuable natural resource and interested in introducing new species.
Yes, Phyllostachys aurea, which is a very aggressive spreading bamboo with many uses, can be found all over the Americas but it is native to Southeast China, that’s why it’s not mentioned in the list. Phyllostachys aurea or “Golden Bamboo” was first introduced into the United States in 1882.