— UPDATE 18 MARCH 2024: About 200 stems can be harvested. —
Quantity: About up to 30 or more stems can be harvested. Length: approx. 9–18 m, basal diameter 3–6 cm, heavy, strong, long-lasting, thick-walled, basally solid.
Thyrsostachys oliveri, ไผ่รวใหญ่ (phai ruak yai), is a native of Thailand and occurs also in neighboring countries. Its stems can be used for numerous purposes, including construction as pillars and beams. Young shoots are edible and delicious.
Stem harvesting requires your help and the cut poles are free; the procedure:
- If you are interested, please let me know (in English or Thai) and suggest first an appointment to view and select the bamboo clumps.
- Then, let's make an appointment for harvesting the stems (cutting the stems into transportable lengths). Two people, you and I are needed to do this job.
- Using an electric reciprocating saw, I will saw off the bamboo stems close to the base.
- You and I need to secure the stem, usually by hand, so that the stem will fall to the desired direction, thus avoiding harm to other nearby plants, fences, and buildings. A suitable rope if needed is available.
- Once a stem is cut and laid on the ground, you must chop off the branches of the stem with a sharp machete.
- I will saw of the branched top of the stem (about one fourth of the entire stem).
- Branches and the top of the stem are usually useless for you, so they will be left on site.
- You may move the branches and the top of the stem to the driveway nearby, where they can be left until they will later be used as material for shredding (the shredded plant material will be used to improve the soil).
- Shortening the stems to desired or transportable lengths can be done by yourself using your machete, hand saw, or electric circular saw, or by myself using my electric reciprocating saw.
- I recommend you use work gloves. The whole work may take several hours, depending on how many poles you require.
Location: Baan Sammi, 15 km (10 mi) northeast of Chiang Mai, see Google Maps:
https://goo.gl/maps/ZLoQTW4n8UJWsEYz6
Viewing, visiting: Any day, but a 1-day prior notice is required.
Contact: Private message in English or ภาษาไทย via Facebook Messenger or email.
