Phyllostachys meyeri
McClure
Meyer's bamboo
Wikimedia Commons - Daderot
Daderot (via Wikimedia Commons)
What to Eat
Edible parts: Shoots
None known.
Where to Find It
It is a temperate plant. It grows in open forests. In Yunnan.
Asia, China, Japan,
How to Identify
A bamboo. It grows 5-10 m tall. The stems are 3-7 cm wide. The internodes are 35 cm long. There are 2 or 3 leaves on the last branch. The leaf blade is 7-13 cm long by 1-2 cm wide.
How to Grow
Prefers a rich damp soil in a sheltered position and some shade. Grows well in a woodland. It is estimated that plants will be hardy to about -20°c. Another report says that this species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. This is a good companion species to grow in a woodland because the plants have shallow root systems that do not compete with deep tree roots. 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.
Medicinal Uses
None known.
Other Uses
The canes of this species are among the strongest and most versatile in the genus. The culms are used to make spars, furniture, umbrellas, and containers, and they also serve as excellent plant supports.
Wikipedia
Source ↗Phyllostachys meyeri is a species of bamboo found in Hunan, China in open forest at elevations around 600 meters
Other Information
It is cultivated.
References (1)
- Eisenberg et al, 2009, Kam Local Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Resource Management in Ghuizhou and Guangxi Provinces, China. Ethnobotany Research and Applicatons 7:067-113
