Phyllostachys nidularia

Phyllostachys nidularia is a species of bamboo found in Guangdong, Guangxi, Henan, Hubei, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Yunnan, Zhejiang province of China at elevations below 1300 meters

Description

A bamboo. It is a creeping bamboo. It grows 10 m tall. The culm is 4 cm across. It bends over due to the weight of the leaves. The shoots are 22-24 cm long by 2-4 cm wide.

Edible Uses

The young shoots are highly prized in China, valued both for their early appearance and their delicate flavour, which has been compared to hominy corn. They are neither acrid nor bitter, even when eaten raw, though they are typically served cooked. Shoots measure about 4cm in diameter and are harvested in spring when they reach about 8cm above the ground, cut approximately 5cm below soil level.

Traditional Uses

The young shoots are cooked and eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a subtropical and temperate plant. In China it grows in forests and scrub below 1,300 m altitude. It grows in temperate and tropical climates. In Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, China*, Europe, North America, USA,

Cultivation

Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered position. Dislikes prolonged exposure to hard frosts. New growth begins in early spring. This is a good companion species to grow in a woodland because the plants are shallow rooted and do not compete with deep rooted trees. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die.

Propagation

Surface sow seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at around 20°C, keeping the compost consistently moist. Germination usually occurs fairly quickly with good-quality seed, though it can take 3–6 months. Grow seedlings on in a lightly shaded greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Divide in spring as new growth begins; divisions from open ground transplant poorly and will need careful treatment under cover in pots until at least late spring. Divide during wet weather, as small divisions establish better than large clumps. Alternatively, large divisions can be taken from established clumps and moved directly to their permanent positions, provided they are misted or drenched frequently until established. Basal cane cuttings can also be taken in spring.

Other Uses

The plant has been proposed as useful for stabilizing soil and water on hills and levees. The canes are strong and serviceable when used whole, though they do not split well. They are suitable for use as plant supports and similar applications. The plant can also be grown as a hedge.

Other Information

It is the largest bamboo shoot sold. It is cultivated.

Synonyms

Also Known As

Hou zhu

References (10)

• Crawford, M., 2012, How to grow Perennial Vegetables. Green Books. p 75
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 46
• Flora of China. Vol. 22 p 178
• Gard. Chron. ser. 2, 6:773, 774. 1876
• http://www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au/sorting/Bamboos_Edible.html

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