Phyllostachys flexuosa
Riviere & C. Riviere
Zig-zag bamboo, Supple bamboo, Chinese crooked bamboo
iNaturalist· pd
Société nationale d'acclimatation de France, нет известных ограничений авторского права (общественное достояние)
Summary
Evergreen bamboo reaching 6 m tall with a spreading habit. Hermaphroditic and wind-pollinated. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade or woodland conditions and prefers consistently moist soil. Maintains foliage year-round.
Description
A bamboo. It grows 5-6 m tall. The stems are 2-4 cm across. The internodes are 30 cm long. There are 2 or 3 leaves on the last branch. The leaf blade is 8-12 cm long by 1-2 cm wide.
Edible Uses
The young shoots have a delicious flavour and are usually cooked, as they are slightly acrid when raw. They are typically boiled in at least one change of water before being added to salads or other dishes. The canes are about 10mm in diameter, while the shoots themselves are generally 2–4cm in diameter, occasionally reaching up to 7cm. Shoots are harvested in spring when about 8cm above ground, cut approximately 5cm below soil level.
Traditional Uses
The shoots are boiled to remove the acrid taste then used in salads.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Asia, China,
Propagation
Surface sow fresh seed in a greenhouse at around 20°C, keeping the compost consistently moist. Germination is usually fairly quick with good-quality seed, though it may take 3–6 months. Grow seedlings in light shade under glass until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Divide clumps in spring as new growth begins — divisions from open ground transplant poorly and should be potted and kept under cover until at least late spring. Carry out division during wet weather; small divisions establish more reliably than large clumps. Alternatively, large divisions can be lifted and moved directly to their permanent positions if misted or drenched frequently until established. Basal cane cuttings can also be taken in spring.
Other Uses
The canes are not of the highest quality but serve well as plant supports. The wood is of medium quality and suitable for all standard bamboo uses appropriate to canes of this size. Culms are used as tool handles, and splints from the stems are used for weaving articles.
Other Information
The shoots are enjoyed.
