Dendrocalamus giganteus in Manuel Antonio

Richard Lemire, the sponsor of this discovery of bamboo in Costa Rica, is the in the main player in this bamboo connection. He has been interested in the sustainable qualities that bamboo offer for quite some time. He has even taken a trip to Asia to learn more about bamboo and all of its uses and has been experimenting with the propagation of several species of bamboo including: Dendrocalamus latiflorus, Dendrocalamus gigante, Dendrocalamus s.p. (dura), and Guadua sur and Atlantica. Richard is trying to promote bamboo in Quepos to local farmers as an alternative crop to cattle ranching since it is a more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Besides the bamboo planted in the back of his hotel (see section on accommodations in Quepos), he has also involved farmers in planting bamboo around river banks to help stop erosion.

Palma Tica is also experimenting with bamboo production. They have a plantation of about one hectare of Dendrocalamus giganteus and Phyllostachys. Dendrocalamus giganteus, otherwise known as the "Indian Giant", is a large 24-30 meter tall plant, with internodes 40 -50 cm and a diameter of 10-20 cm. Most have thick walls, but varies according to height. This species is very useful, as it can be used in construction, plywood, paper, and the shoots can be eaten.

This species is found in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Thailand, South China, and has been introduced to Indonesia, Malay Peninsula, and the Philippines. It is suitable to the climate of Quepos because it is also grown in humid tropical to subtropical climates and usually grown on rich soils.

The bamboo grown at Palma Tica is used for agricultural practices, bridges, and in the palm tree nursery.

Right next to the Palma Tica plantation, you can find another seven hectares of Guauda owned by Funbambu. This plantation produces culms about 15-20 meters in height and 7-10cm. in diameter which are used for the construction of the houses in the rural housing project and furniture.

(see Accommodations & Fun in Manuel Antonio/Quepos for information on bamboo and bamboo cabins).