Bambusa blumeana - Philippine Bamboo Directory

Overview

Bambusa blumeana, commonly known as Kauayan-tinik or Spiny Bamboo, is one of the most economically important bamboo species in the Philippines. It is highly valued for its strength, durability, and versatility in construction, furniture making, and handicrafts. The species is characterized by its thorny branches and robust culms.

Key Characteristics

Culm Features

• Green when young, turning yellow-green with age
• Straight and strong culms
• Thick walls (8-15mm)
• Nodes slightly swollen

Growth Habit

• Forms dense clumps
• Thorny branches (hence the name)
• Fast-growing after establishment
• Drought-tolerant once mature

Distribution

Native to the Philippines and Southeast Asia. Widely cultivated in:

• Bicol Region (major producer)
• Eastern Visayas
• Davao Region
• Calabarzon

💡 Why Farmers Choose This Species:

Bambusa blumeana offers excellent market value, proven durability, and strong demand from construction and furniture industries. Its thorny branches also provide natural protection against livestock damage.

Cultivation Guide

Climate & Soil Requirements

Temperature	20-35°C (tropical climate)
Rainfall	1,500-4,000mm annually
Soil pH	5.5-7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Soil Type	Well-drained loamy soil, can tolerate various soil types
Sunlight	Full sun to partial shade (6+ hours direct sunlight)

Planting Guidelines

Recommended Spacing:

4m x 4m: For intensive production (625 plants/ha)
5m x 5m: Standard spacing (400 plants/ha)
6m x 6m: For intercropping (278 plants/ha)

Propagation

Best Method: Offset division (70-85% success rate)

Select healthy 1-2 year old culms with good rhizome development
Cut culm 30-40cm above ground
Dig carefully to preserve root ball
Plant at beginning of rainy season (May-June)
Water regularly for first 2-3 months

Maintenance Schedule

Period	Activities
Year 1	Regular watering, monthly weeding, fertilize every 3 months
Year 2	Quarterly weeding, fertilize twice yearly, thin weak culms
Year 3+	Minimal maintenance, annual fertilization, harvest management

Uses & Applications

🏗️ Construction

Primary use due to strength and durability

• Structural poles and posts
• Scaffolding materials
• House framing
• Flooring and wall panels
• Roofing materials

Market Demand: Very High

🪑 Furniture

Excellent for furniture manufacturing

• Tables and chairs
• Cabinets and shelving
• Bed frames
• Decorative furniture
• Garden furniture

Market Demand: High

🧺 Handicrafts

Popular for artisan products

• Baskets and containers
• Decorative items
• Woven products
• Lampshades
• Wall decorations

Market Demand: Medium

🌾 Agricultural Uses

Practical farm applications

• Stakes and trellises
• Fencing materials
• Farm tools handles
• Irrigation pipes
• Animal pens

Market Demand: Medium

Market Prices (2024)

Product	Price Range
Construction poles (per piece)	₱80-150
Furniture-grade culms (per piece)	₱100-200
Planting materials (per offset)	₱50-100
Split bamboo (per bundle)	₱150-300

Economics & Profitability

Investment Analysis (Per Hectare)

Initial Investment

Land preparation	₱15,000
Planting materials (400 @ ₱75)	₱30,000
Fertilizers & inputs	₱12,000
Labor (Year 1)	₱25,000
Total	₱82,000

Revenue Projections

Year	Harvestable Culms	Gross Income	Net Income
1-3	0	₱0	-₱82,000
4	1,200	₱120,000	₱110,000
5	3,200	₱320,000	₱310,000
6+	6,000-8,000	₱600,000-800,000	₱590,000-790,000

5-Year ROI Summary

Total Investment

₱119,000

Cumulative Income

₱430,000

ROI

261%

Bambusa blumeana Schultes f.