Ethiopia was restricted with two indigenous bamboo species for hundreds of years. To diversify the genetic base of the resource exotic species introduction to the country was started in 2007. The adaptability of the species was conducted in different parts of the country aimed to understand their potential eco-zone although Bale isn’t addressed. Thus, ten bamboo species were introduced and evaluated for their adaptability at Sinana Agricultural research center in highland area of Bale, Ethiopia. The mean value of survival rate was found within a range of 22.22% to 96.30% among the species. Culm height was ranged 18.30 in Y. alpina to 371.70 cm in D. dienbienensis while Culm diameter was within range of 1.12 B. lapidea to 2.93 cm in D. dienbienensis. Furthermore, maximum number of culms was reported in D. dienbienensis followed by D. fuminesis, D. asper, B. longinternode and D. membranaceus, respectively. On other hand, B. longinternode had the highest number of nodes (14.33) whereas the dominant internode length (30.53 cm) recorded in D. membranaceus. The values pointed, D. dienbienensis, D. membranaceus, D. asper, B. polymorpha, B. longinternode and D. barbatus had better adaptability potential than others. Thus, they would be an alternative bamboo species resource and could be promoted to users for their multitude benefits in the study area. However, study on identification and development of their vegetative propagation technique is recommended as bamboo species take long time to set seed.

Keywords: Culm, Exotic, Internode, Survival rate