Avery Island in Iberia Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
Bamboo
June 6, 2018
1. Bamboo Marker
Jungle Gardens includes one of the oldest timber bamboo groves in America.
In 1909, Edward Avery Mcllhenny wrote to the USDA's Bureau of Plant
Industry to inquire about growing Bamboo on Avery Island. At the time
Mcllhenny believed bamboo could serve as a valuable commodity, both
as food and building material. As he wrote in a promotional letter, "It is
estimated by explorers that more than one hundred fifty million people
of the countries in Asia, bordering the Pacific Ocean, live in houses built
entirely of Bamboo."
Through his relationship with the USDA, Mcllhenny planted over sixty-four
varieties of bamboo in and around Jungle Gardens. His ability to nurture
and observe the plants made him the most successful experimental bamboo
grower in the country, and his views about the usefulness of bamboo have
been revived by modern permaculturalists around the globe. The bamboos
of Jungle Gardens and Avery Island are regarded by bamboo enthusiasts as
one of the most extensive collections in the world. (Marker Number 12.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment
June 6, 2018
2. Bamboo Marker
this page online
Location. 29° 54.457′ N, 91° 54.685′ W. Marker is on Avery Island, Louisiana, in Iberia Parish. Marker can be reached from Jungle Garden Road. LOcated on a walking path to the Bird City location. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Avery Island LA 70513, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. McIlhenny (within shouting distance of this marker); Bird City (within shouting distance of this marker); Sunken Gardens (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Buddah (approx. 0.3 miles away); Boat House (approx. 0.3 miles away); This Buddah (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Cleveland Oak (approx. 0.4 miles away); Southern Live Oaks (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Avery Island.
More about this marker. Stop #12 on the Jungle Garden self driving tour. Only accessible by foot.
June 6, 2018
3. Bamboo
June 6, 2018
4. Bamboo
Some big bamboo
Credits. This page was last revised on March 6, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2018, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 212 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 10, 2018.
