Sasa palmata

(hort. ex Burb.) E. G. Camus

Broad-leaved bamboo

Poaceae Edible: Shoots, Leaves - flavouring 581 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Sasa palmata is a species of low-growing, shade-tolerant bamboo that is native to Japan. It is known as broadleaf bamboo or broad-leaved bamboo.

Description

A bamboo. It grows 2 m tall. The canes are thin. The leaves are 45 cm long and 8 cm wide. They are usually clustered near the tips of the canes.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

None known.

Traditional Uses

The leaves are used to wrap salted fish and rice. They add flavour to the dish.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It can tolerate cold to - 21°C.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Japan, Korea,

Propagation

Surface sow seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°C, or sow stored seed as soon as it is received. Keep the compost moist. Germination is usually fairly quick in good-quality seed, though it may take 3–6 months. Prick seedlings into individual pots when large enough and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse until big enough to plant out, which may take several years. Seed is rarely available as plants only flower at intervals of several years. For division, work in late spring as new growth begins. Take large divisions with minimal root disturbance to the main clump and grow on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of high-fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until established, then plant out once a good root system has formed, which can take a year or more. Divisions of fewer than 5–6 culms rarely succeed.

Other Uses

The canes and foliage can be used to make hardboard and cardboard, and the canes serve well as plant supports. The plant makes a good hedge or screen, particularly in a lightly shaded position, and also attracts wildlife.

Notes

It can be invasive.

References (4)

Bambusees 25. 1913
Chen, B. & Qiu, Z., Consumer's Attitudes towards Edible Wild Plants, Ishikawa Prefecture, Japan. p 24 www.hindawi.com/journals/ijfr/aip/872413.pdf
Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 47
Ryan, S., 2008, Dicksonia. Rare Plants Manual. Hyland House. p 87