Common Name:

General Information

Himalayacalamus collaris is an evergreen, clump-forming bamboo with short rhizomes and erect, woody stems around 2 - 6 metres tall. The stems are around 10 - 35mm in diameter, with a thin wall and internodes around 17 - 28cm long[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of material for weaving.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (southern Xizang)

Habitat

Temperate forests; at elevations from 2,200 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Himalayacalamus species are generally of moderate cold-hardiness - they should all be expected to cope easily with temporary winter temperatures down to around -5°c, whilst some of them will tolerate down to -15°c, but many do require reasonable summer rainfall (or at least good irrigation) with some cloud cover and partial shade.
Prefers a good loamy soil[]. Succeeds in most soils so long as they do not dry out[]. Dislikes drought[]. Prefers a position sheltered from cold north and east winds[]. The stems colour more brightly when grown in a sunny position[], though the leaves curl up in bright sunlight[].
Some species in this genus have been noted as being notably resistant to honey fungus[].
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.
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

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The stems are used for weaving baskets, mats etc[].

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. There is a degree of dormancy in the seed and it can take 1 - 8 months to germinate at 20 - 25°c, a cold pre-treatment might shorten this time[]. 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.