Common Name: Ryoku-Chiku

General Information

Bambusa oldhamii is an evergreen, clump-forming bamboo producing canes 6 - 16 metres tall. The thin-walled stems are 30 - 90mm in diameter, with internodes 17 - 35cm long[, ].
This species is commonly cultivated in Taiwan for its very high-quality shoots[]. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southern China, Taiwan.

Habitat

Plains[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Bambusa oldhamii is found in lowland areas in the tropical to warm temperate regions of southern China and is able to tolerate short-lived, light frosts. It can be grown outdoors in the temperate zone, preferably within the shelter of a woodland, in areas where temperatres seldom fall below -5°c and frosts are short-lived[].
Requires a humus rich soil in full sun or dappled shade in warm humid conditions[].
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. 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[].

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked[, , ]. Of excellent quality[, ]. The young shoots are harvested as they emerge from the soil.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The cane walls are thick but rather soft. The canes are used as a source of pulp[].

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[].