Cephalostachyum are a genus of smaller growing bamboo, native to Asia and Madagasca found in mountain and lowland forests. Aptly named Tinwa Blue, the new canes are a striking combination of powder blue with copper coloured culm sheaths.

Culms store high amounts of carbon and are suitably used for carbon sequestration. The multipurpose canes are widely harvested, used for weaving, construction, domestic utensils, mats, paper fibre, shingles and fishing poles.

Food uses include the making of carrying containers, brewing, serving and cooking vessels, especially for boiling and serving rice. Being naturally fire resistant, the rice is cooked in sections cut from fresh green culms, which impart both a sweet flavour and unique fragrance to the rice.