Common Name: Hedge Bamboo

General Information

Bambusa multiplex is an evergreen, clumping bamboo producing erect canes from 2 - 7 metres tall. The thin-walled canes are 10 - 30mm in diameter with internodes 20 - 40cm long[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested for its edible young shoots and culms that are used for weaving, paper making etc. Plants are widely cultivated in the tropics as ornamentals and in hedges.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - Eastern Himalayas to southern China

Habitat

Open places; at elevations from 200 - 1,500 metres in Nepal[]. Wild and cultivated, fields, mountains, low hills, riversides[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	4.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

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

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked[, ]. Bitter tasting, they are rarely eaten[]. They are less bitter if harvested before they emerge from the soil and then parboiled in water[]. The stems are 15 - 25mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant makes a good screen or hedge and windbreak[, , ].

Other Uses

Paper is made from the culms[, ].
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[]. The culms are up to 4cm in diameter[].
The canes split easily and are fairly flexible - they are used as a source of weaving material for mats, baskets and other household goods[, ].
The culms are often used as umbrella handles and for fishing poles[]. In Indonesia and Thailand they are also used to make handicrafts such as bookcases[].

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. 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[]. 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[].
Branches often develop into rhizomatous offsets with long roots. These can be removed and potted up in late spring[].