Common Name: Narihiradake

General Information

Semiarundinaria fastuosa is an evergreen bamboo that can grow 5 - 8 metres tall; the erect, woody culms are 20 - 40mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes 10 - 30cm long[].. The rhizomes are elongated, the plant having a running habit that can produce new canes some distance from the main clump, especially in warm climates.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. A very ornamental plant, often grown in gardens, where it can be used to make a hedge[].
The plant has a running rootstock but it is slow moving and generally well behaved in cool climates such as western Europe.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern Japan

Habitat

Light woodlands and moist places[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Semiarundinaria fastuosa is a somewhat cold-hardy bamboo, tolerating short periods with temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[].
Succeeds in full sun and in partial shade. Species in this genus generally tolerate a wide range of soils and sites, though they prefer a damp humus-rich soil in sun or semi-shade[, , ]. They grow best in a position sheltered from cold winds[], though this species has proved resistant to strong, maritime winds in southwest Cornwall (hardiness zone 8)[]. Plants are generally not very tolerant of dry conditions[].
Most leaves are produced at the tops of the stems[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].
New shoots are produced from mid spring[].
Bamboos have an interesting method of growth. Each plant produces a number of new stems annually - these stems grow to their maximum height in their first year of growth, subsequent growth in the stem being limited to the production of new side branches and leaves. In the case of some mature tropical species the new stem could be as much as 30 metres tall, with daily increases in height of 30cm or more during their peak growth time. This makes them some of the fastest-growing species in the world[].
Bamboos in general are usually monocarpic, living for many years before flowering, then flowering and seeding profusely for a period of 1 - 3 years before usually dying. This pattern can vary - sometimes flowering is sporadic, with plants flowering annually and not dying; at other times it is gregarious with all the plants in a specific species coming into flower at the same time.

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked[, , ]. The shoots are almost free of any acridity[]. Although small, they are of good quality when cooked[]. A plant at Trebah gardens in Cornwall, England was producing a good amount of new shoots about 35mm in diameter in early April 1995[]. The shoots are harvested in the spring when about 8 - 10cm above ground level, cutting the stems 5cm or more below soil level.. Do not take too many from any plant since this will weaken the clump.

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is fairly resistant to maritime exposure and makes a good shelter hedge[]. A hedge seen in 1987 in an exposed position at Rosewarne in N. Cornwall, England was looking good even after the severe winter of that year[]. It needs to be planted fairly closely if a thick hedge is wanted quickly since it is a slow spreader. 60 - 75cm is a good distance.

Other Uses

The canes can be used as plant supports[].

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. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out, which could be 2 - 3 years. The plants only flower at intervals of many years and so seed is rarely available.
Division as the plants come into growth in spring. 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[].
Basal cane cuttings.
Rhizome cuttings.