刺竹屬叢生竹，原產中國廣東。合軸地下莖，竹竿有兩種型態。正常竿高3~10m，直徑3~5cm，外形與一般竹子相似；畸形竿高50~150cm，直徑5~10cm，節間下寬上窄膨大如葫蘆。竿末端二列分枝，葉片5~13片；葉面無毛，葉背有毛，葉長20~30cm，葉寬2~5cm。罕見開花，開花後植株容易枯死。

A clump-forming bamboo in the genus Bambusa, native to Guangdong, China. Rhizomes sympodial. Two types of bamboo canes; the normal cane is 3-10 m high, 3-5 cm across, and resembles the common bamboo varieties; the deformed cane is 50-150 cm high and 5-10 cm across, internodes swollen like a gourd. The bottom of cane is diverged in two rows, with 5-13 leaves; glabrous above and hairy below, blade 20-30 cm long, and 2-5 cm wide. It’s rarely flowering and usually dies after flowering.

喜好全日照且高溫環境；半日照亦可生長，但植株較稀疏。籜片有黑色的纖毛，皮膚接觸容易刺激搔癢，在進行維護管理作業時需戴手套、袖套防護。繁殖使用分株、扦插法。

It prefers full-sun and hot environments; lacking of sunlight usually causes less branches and leaves. The sheath of bamboo sprout has black cilia which easily cause irritation and itch to the skin, it’s advised to wear gloves and oversleeves for protection when performing maintenance activities. Propagated by ramets and cuttings.

畸形竿造型奇特，一般多叢植以便欣賞。亦或列植作為視線可穿透的綠籬使用。可種植小型化的盆栽，作為居家陽台、庭園觀賞用。竹竿可加工製作手工藝品。

Valued for the unique deformed canes, they are often planted in clumps for appreciation, or planted as a see-through green hedge. They are also great mini potted plants placed at balconies and in gardens to add interest. Bamboo canes can be processed to make handicrafts.