Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Streptophyta

Class: Equisetopsida

Subclass: Magnoliidae

Order: Poales

Family: Poaceae

Genus: Dendrocalamus

Species: Dendrocalamus strictus

Description: Calcutta Bamboo is a deciduous densely tufted bamboo with stems 8-16 m high, 2.5-8 cm in diameter, pale blue green when young, dull green or yellow on maturity, much curved above half of its height. The most peculiar aspect of the plant is the solid stem as there is no hollow part in it. Leaves are linear-lanceshaped, small in dry localities, up to 25 cm long and 3 cm broad in moist areas, rounded at the base into a short petiole, tip is sharply tapering with twisted point. Inflorescence is a large panicle of large dense globular heads 4-5 cm apart. Long stamens protrude out of the flowers.

Uses: A decoctionof the leaves is given to aid parturition.

The juice in two ounce doses taken frequently is used as an abortifacient.