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Phyllostachys glauca

McClure

Fen lu zhu, Yunzhu Bamboo

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Anikó Csecserits, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

(c) Anikó Csecserits, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Anikó Csecserits

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Phyllostachys glauca is a species of bamboo found in Anhui, Henan, Hunan, Jiangsu, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Yunnan, Zhejiang provinces of China.

Description

A bamboo. It grows 5-12 m tall. The stems are 2-5 cm across. The internodes are 40 cm long. There are 2 or 3 leaves on the last branch. The leaf blade is 7-16 cm long by 2-3 cm wide.

Edible Uses

The young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked and are relatively free of bitterness and bite even when raw. They are harvested as they emerge through the soil in spring, when about 8cm above ground, cut approximately 5cm below soil level. Shoots are 2–5cm in diameter.

Traditional Uses

The young shoots are fried.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. In Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, China,

Cultivation

Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered position. Plants are fairly hardy, but they dislike prolonged exposure to hard frosts. 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 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 internodes of the canes are straight and unribbed, making them easy to split. The culms are used to make a variety of utensils, as well as for weaving, furniture, containers, handicrafts, handles for agricultural implements, and shed construction.

Other Information

It is cultivated.

Synonyms

Phyllostachys glauca var. variabilis

Also Known As

Dan zhu, Fen lu zhu, Zhusun

References (4)

  • Crawford, M., 2012, How to grow Perennial Vegetables. Green Books. p 75
  • Geng, Y., et al, 2016, Traditional knowledge and its transmission of wild edibles used by the Naxi in Baidi Village, northwest Yunnan province. Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine. 12:10
  • http://www.plantnames.unimelb.edu.au/sorting/Bamboos_Edible.html
  • Wiersema, J. H. & Leon, B., 2013, World Economic Plants. A Standard Reference CRC Press. 2nd Ed. p 522

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