[en] Characterization of untreated or alkali-treated 'taquara-lixa' (Merostachys skvortzovii Sendulsky ), a low cost Brazilian bamboo fiber, was performed by determining their chemical composition (moisture, ash, lignin and extractives contents), solubility in hot or cold water, pH values and crystallinity index. Thermal analysis showed that fibers begin to degrade at 250 deg C. Samples of taquara-lixa/epoxy resin composites were prepared with 56% w/w aligned long fibers (280 mm) and with 54% (w/w) dispersed short fibers (25 mm) and a sandwich-beam sample shaped in three layers was prepared with two outer long fiber composite layers separated by a thicker layer of the short fiber material. Composites were characterized by x-ray diffraction patterns, water and moisture absorption and flexural tests. Elasticity and shear modulus of composites (15500 MPa and 932 MPa/6800 MPa and 1042 MPa for long and short composites, respectively) indicated that these materials can be used for structural applications, with the advantage of low water (8.4%) and low moisture (2.4-2.8%) absorption. (author)