marcabambú

OUR BAMBOO

About Us.

We are Finca El Marne.

A family owned farm with almost 100 years of history, is located in San Antonio Suchitepequez, 154 Km from Guatemala City, Central America.

Until the early 80´s, the farm produced coffee and fruits. Then rubber trees were planted instead, and in the year 2000 first bamboo species were introduced.

The soil, rainfall and temperature of the farm proved to be ideal conditions for bamboo production, as the main two species Guadua and Asper have developed and grown extraordinarily well.

The family legacy still continues with the 3rd. generation now in management. Our focus is to keep improving the legacy inherited with the bamboo and rubber plantations to reach it´s maximum potential, producing high bamboo quality in harmony with environmental protection, as well with our workers and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Our vision is making bamboo the wood of this century, reaching international markets for our bamboo culms.

DON'T TAKE OUR WORD... SEE WHAT THE
EXPERTS SAY

Dr. Maria Ximena Londoño

WORLD RENOWNED BAMBOO TAXONOMIST GUADUA SPECIALIST

On march 22 2024, we invited Dr. Maria Ximena Londoño to our plantation, this is what she had to say..

"WE NAMED A RIVER AFTER HER"

Mr. Oscar Ruiz

Colombian Agricultural Engineer

In November 2022, Oscar was in Finca El Marne to train our workers in bamboo culms selection, and treatment technique. We really enjoyed the time he spent with us, and cherished his deep and ample knowledge in bamboo handling - what a great guy!

"Great material, a farm with top of the line bamboo... thank you for your friendship and hospitality"

Oscar R.

Architect Simon Velez

Do we really need to introduce him ?

Simon is considered a true pioneer in the whole world specially in Colombia, he was the first architect that used Guadua in high-end residencies; making revolutionary masterpieces.

"This is the quality of bamboo I would work with"

Simon Velez.

OUR PLANTATION.

As of today, Finca El Marne is the largest private bamboo plantation in Guatemala with a size of 130 Ha. Despite our main two species are Guadua Angustifolia accounting 100 Ha., and Dendrocalamus Asper adding another 20, other species planted make a total of another 10 Ha.

American and native species grown in the farm are:

- Guadua angustifolia Kunth

- Guadua aff. takahashiae Londoño

- Olyra latifolia L.

Exotic and asiatic species:

- Bambusa tulda

- Bambusa ventricosa

- Bambusa vulgaris

- Dendrocalamus asper

- Gigantochloa apus

- Gigantochloa atroviolacea

- Gigantochloa verticillata

- Phyllostachys aurea

BAMBOO CUTTING AND TREATMENT.

A key step before treating the bamboo, is cutting only the culms that have the proper age according to the species or it will not hold through time. Our experienced staff with +20 years of work in the field, have the ability to ensure the correct maturity of each rod through some specific and valid visual indicators like color, branching, secondary growth of moss and lichen, and culm sheets.

Regarding the treatment itself to protect and prevent insect attacks, each culm is carefully handled, cleaned, perforated, and then submerged in water with a solution of borax and boric acids. After 5 to 7 days the culms are taken out, and left to dry.

OUR NURSERY.

Being bamboo experts, we know and master the delicate and difficult work of propagating it. We have been growing and selling bamboo to farms, sugarmills, landscape industry, homeowners, and other customers since 2000.

WE NEVER STOP LEARNING.

Trip to Colombia

Workshops, conferences, private tours and much more…

In November 2023, we went to Colombia to further expand and improve our bamboo knowledge with the best experts in the world. Thanks to their extensive research and techniques, we are confident in our high quality bamboo and finished products, ranking us among the best in the world.

"Had a blast, thank you Colombia"

Bamboo workshops

Exploring the sustainable and high-performing capabilities of bamboo

In October 2022, we went to a workshop here in Guatemala. Learned about the variety of building applications bamboo has to offer . From its strength for structural elements to its warm aesthetic; perfect for interior design, flooring and much more.