Practical
Plants

Bambusa multiplex

Hedge Bamboo

a woody evergreen member of the Bambusa genus in the family Gramineae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Family
Gramineae
Genus
Bambusa
Foliage
evergreen
Woodiness
woody
Height
4.5 m
Spread
5 m
Fertility
Wind
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Wind

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Young shoots - cooked[11][1]. Bitter tasting, they are rarely eaten[6]. They are less bitter if harvested before they emerge from the soil and then parboiled in water[4].

Plant part
Stem

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Paper is made from the culms[11][12]. The canes are too arched for good poles and there is too small a volume for significant pulp production, in spite of good fibre dimensions[6]. The culms are up to 4cm in diameter[8]. The canes split easily and are fairly flexible - they are used as a source of weaving material for mats, baskets and other household goods[8][10]. The plant makes a good screen or hedge[5][7].

Product or use
Paper
Product or use
Weaving

Ecology and functions

Hedge

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Eastern Himalayas to southern China.
Habitat
Open places at elevations of 200 - 1500 metres in Nepal[10].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 9+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Drainage
well drained
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

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. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Division in spring as new growth commences[8]. 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[7]. Branches often develop into rhizomatous offsets with long roots. These can be removed and potted up in late spring[8].

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Prefers an open loam of fair quality, succeeding on peaty soils and in full sun or dappled shade[2][7]. Requires a position sheltered from cold drying winds[2]. Requires abundant moisture in the growing season and plenty of organic matter in the soil[2]. A fairly hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -8°c[9][6], but it does not like periods of prolonged cold. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[7]. 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[3]. New shoots appear in late spring, the rootstock is caespitose[9]. A polymorphic species, there are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[9][6].

References

  1. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

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  2. Bean. W. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement. Murray 1981-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. ? The Plantsman. Vol. 1. 1979 - 1980. Royal Horticultural Society 1979-00-00

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  4. Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-9628087-0-9

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  5. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

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  6. Farrelly. D. The Book of Bamboo Sierra Club. 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-87156-825-X

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  7. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  8. Stapleton. C. Bamboos of Nepal The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew 1994-00-00 ISBN 0947643680

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4

  9. Lawson. Bamboos. Faber 1968-00-00

    ↩1↩2↩3

  10. Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6

    ↩1↩2

  11. Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim 1959-00-00

    ↩1↩2

  12. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

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