Common Name:

General Information

Drepanostachyum fractiflexum is an evergreen, clump-forming bamboo with woody stems that can be 200 - 450cm tall and 6 - 12mm in diameter[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use of its canes, which can be used for weaving, basket making etc.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China - southwest Sichuan, northern Yunan

Habitat

At elevations from 1,300 - 3,200 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	3.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Semi-cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Drepanostachyum fractiflexum is only reliably hardy in the milder areas of the temperate zone[, , , ].
Bamboos generally grow best in a well-drained, open loam of reasonable quality with plenty of moisture in the growing season[]. Requires a position sheltered from cold or strong winds[].
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, with subsequent growth in the stem being limited to the production of new side branches and leaves.
Temperate bamboo species usually grow for many years without flowering. When they do finally flower, they do so profusely over a period of 1 - 3 years and will often then die, probably from exhaustion. Some species, if given plenty of organic matter at this time will gradually recover, although they will look rather poorly for a year or three. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die[].
The rootstock is caespitose, new shoots are produced from late spring to early summer[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The culms are used for weaving and making brooms.[].

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[].
Basal cane cuttings.