Arundinella nepalensis
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Gramineae
- Genus
- Arundinella
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Height
- 2 m
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
Uses
Material uses
The canes are used for thatching and fencing[2].
- Product or use
- Thatching
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - northeastern India to China and southeastern Asia.
- Habitat
- Open places at elevations of 300 - 2500 metres in Nepal[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- no shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Bamboos only flower at intervals of several years and so seed is rarely available. Division in late spring as new growth commences. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more[1]. Rhizome cuttings. Basal cane cuttings.
Cultivation
Prefers a sheltered position in full sun in a fertile, moist but well-drained soil[1].
References
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6