Phyllostachys vivax

Phyllostachys vivax, the Chinese timber bamboo, is a species of flowering plant in the bamboo subfamily of the grass family Poaceae, native to China. It is a tall, robust evergreen plant growing quickly to 8 m (26 ft) or more, with strong green canes to 12 cm (4.7 in) in diameter, and topped by drooping leaves. Sources vary as to the maximum size, with one source quoting 21 m (69 ft). Mature canes turn yellow. Initially forming clumps, the plants will eventually establish large thickets via underground running rhizomes, unless artificially restricted. The form P. vivax f. aureocaulis from eastern China is frequently found in cultivation, and has more vivid yellow canes striped with green. It is suitable for parks or large gardens, and is hardy down to at least −15 °C (5 °F). It has been given the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The Latin specific epithet vivax means "long-lived".

Description

A large bamboo. It grows 9-18 m high and spreads 6-18 m wide. The culms are 10 cm thick. They are thin walled. The internodes are 25-35 cm long. There are 2 or 3 leaves on the last branch. The leaf blades are 9-18 cm long by 1-2 cm wide.

Edible Uses

Young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked and have a delicious flavour with almost no acridity, even when eaten raw. The shoots measure 4–8cm in diameter and are harvested in spring when they stand about 8cm above ground, cut roughly 5cm below soil level.

Traditional Uses

The young shoots are eaten raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Distribution

It is a temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. At ECHO. In Yunnan.

Where It Grows

Asia, Australia, Canada, China*, North America, USA,

Cultivation

Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered position and plenty of moisture in the growing season. Dislikes prolonged exposure to hard frosts, but plants are hardy to at least -20°c. 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. Closely related to P. bambusoides. 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.

Propagation

Surface sow fresh seed in a greenhouse at around 20°C, keeping the compost consistently moist. Germination can be fairly quick with good-quality seed, though it may take 3–6 months. Grow seedlings on in light shade under glass until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Division in spring as new growth begins is another option, though divisions taken from open ground transplant poorly and need careful management under cover in pots until at least late spring. Carry out divisions during wet weather, as smaller divisions tend to establish more reliably than large clumps. An alternative view holds that large divisions can be transplanted directly to permanent positions if misted or drenched frequently until established. Basal cane cuttings can also be taken in spring.

Other Uses

The culms are used for weaving baskets and similar articles, and also serve as handles for farm tools. This plant is suited to food forest systems.

Production

It establishes quickly.

Other Information

It is cultivated.

Notes

There are about 80 Phyllostachys species.

Also Known As

Vigorous bamboo, Wu bu ji zhu

References (13)

• Arora, R. K., 2014, Diversity in Underutilized Plant Species - An Asia-Pacific Perspective. Bioversity International. p 44
• Crawford, M., 2012, How to grow Perennial Vegetables. Green Books. p 75
• Crouzet, I., Starosta, P., 1998, Bamboos. Evergreen. p 86
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1036
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 47

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