Waxy residue on Drying Culm Surface

[Mark Meckes]

The following pictures show how the waxy coating on the surface of a culm forms a residue as it loses its' grip during the drying process.
This is most evident when the bamboo has been stored under shelter, away from the elements of the weather.

Powdery residue of drying Phyllostachys nuda culm.
Grown and harvested in Northeast Pennsylvania USA
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/2/thumbs/1Mvc-064f.jpg See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=546)

Phyllostachys nuda shedding its' surface waxes
http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/data/2/thumbs/1Mvc-065f.jpg See photo (http://www.bamboocraft.net/workshop/showphoto.php?photo=547)

Each species of bamboo has its' own pecularities regarding the amount of and consistancy of it's waxy surface.
These properties change with age and drying procedure of the culms.

I've heard of it being scraped off and saved for
candle wax. Anyone know more about this ?

Mark

[kevinrl]

Would be a very labour intensive way of making candles Mark.
I have no idea what this is apart from the same wax that will melt when a green culm is heated.
I do have a friend that would be interested to check out your finger-print though :)
Kevin in Australia.

[Mark Meckes]

I wonder if a component of this wax also has insecticidal properties, whether it deters insects, in addition to providing waterproofing , because some species produce a surface coating at shooting time, which usually fades away after a season, and then gradually after a period of a few years, the clear waxy surface becomes translucent. Phyllostachys nigra Henon culms appear almost white at maturity.

...Fingerprinting kits contain a very similar talcum-like powder for making fingerprints- a new use for bamboo?
That's my big toe! ;)

Mark

[Mark Meckes]

... or could it have antiseptic/ antiviral/anti who-knows-what properties?
Because bamboo grows so fast in such a short time, and is initially tender, it must have had to develop some special ways to protect itself at this vulnerable time in its' life.
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Kevin wrote... "Would be a very labour intensive way of making candles"

I read somewhere that Phyllostachys nigra `Hennon' culms were scraped of their wax which was made into candles for a fortunate emperor.
I have made curved scrapers out of sheet metal and also used other things to scrape off the waxy surface of bamboo and to expose the very hard surface below... it's a meticulus, exacting process, but the finish is well worth it, for that something special.
If I did a lot of culm scraping, I would probably have the bonus candle by now... I'll settle for the thought of it.

Mark