2 — Introduced Species

Many non-Thai bamboo species have been introduced into Thailand on migration routes since early times and in recent years. The first recorded batch of useful Chinese bamboo was introduced from Taiwan by W. T. Lin in the 1960s. Many of these introduced bamboos are still cultivated, especially in northern Thailand. Useful bamboo from neighboring countries, mainly from southern China, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Indonesia, has been introduced into Thailand and can be found in cultivation. Some ornamental bamboo species, such as Bambusa lako and Bambusa glaucophylla, were also introduced into Thailand and are nowadays planted in many gardens throughout the country. 

Unidentified species, if introduced, are also included herein. In the case of early introduced species that have become naturalized, they are listed in Chapter 1 instead of here. 

This chapter contains approximately 150 introduced bamboo species in ca. 30 genera. The number of bamboo species introduced into Thailand to date is certainly far larger than the species listed herein. There is no reliable basis for estimating the number. From conversations with plant collectors and owners of bamboo nurseries, I got the impression that a number more than double the total number of the species, varieties, and cultivars listed herein could be an understatement.