( 71 ) 



flowering of this species takes place periodically about every 30 years, 

 when almost every individual specimen blossoms and dies. The grain 

 produced on these occasions is abundant, and of great value as an article 

 of food. It is supposed on more than one occasion during the present 

 century to have prevented a famine. The food value of the grain, accord- 

 ing to Prof. Church, is high, though deficient in oil and mineral matter. 



77. DENDRO CALAMUS, Nees. There are 9 species, inhabiting 

 India, the Malay Archipelago, and China. In habit they resemble Bam- 

 busa, but there are no lodicules, and the pericarp of the fruit (caryopsis) 

 is free from the seed. 



D. strictus, Nees. (Male bamboo). Syn. — Bambusa stricta, Roxb. 

 Vern. — General : Bans, bdhsi and kussub (Royle), bans Tcabban (Watt); 

 Santal: Burn mat (Campbell); Bengal: Kopar (Watt.); Teling : 

 Sadanapa-vedroo (Roxb.). 



Usually of smaller stature than that of Bambusa arundinacea, stems 

 nearly or quite solid, lower part often variously bent, spreading above 

 and frequently curved downwards. Leaves deciduous, arising from fas- 

 ciculate branches enclosed in shining cartilaginous persistent sheaths, 

 distichous, rough, and hairy on the lower or on both sides. Flowers 

 produced annually on certain portions of the tree, the other stems re- 

 maining leafy. Spikelets spinescent, hairy, collected into dense globose 

 heads on long interrupted spikes. 



Common in Northern India, and often gregarious. The leaves be- 

 come yellow and fall during winter, except in moist places where the 

 tree remains evergreen. The young foliage appears again in the hot 

 weather. The stems die away after flowering. This bamboo is much 

 valued on account of its strong elastic stems, ^hich are used for a variety 

 of purposes. The foliage affords abundant fodder for elephants. 



