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Common Name: Padang

General Information

Himalayacalamus hookerianus is a clump-forming, evergreen bamboo that can grow 5 - 9 metres tall; the erect, woody culms are 17 - 36mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes 15 - 20cm long[]. The plant spreads slowly by means of short rhizomes, eventually forming quite a large clump.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens and is also used in soil stabilization projects.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas from eastern Nepal to Sikkim and Bhutan.

Habitat

Cool broad-leaved forests; at elevations from 2,000 - 2,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	7.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Himalayacalamus hookerianus is native to cool broad-leaved forests in the Himalayas where it experiences frost and snow. It is intolerant of winter wet and of temperatures below about -6°c[]. Plants are flowering freely (1993) in Kew and Edinburgh in Britain, where they are producing abundant fertile seed[]. Members of this genus are generally of moderate hardiness - they should all be expected to cope easily with temporary winter temperatures down to -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[]. Succeeds outdoors in a woodland garden in the milder parts of Britain[].
Some species in this genus have been noted as being notably resistant to honey fungus[].
There has been much confusion over this species and many plants cultivated under this name have proved to be different species[].
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

Seed - cooked whole or ground into a powder and used as a cereal[]. Plants flower at intervals of about 50 years, they flower and produce fertile seed abundantly in British gardens[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A very effective plant for stabilising soil on steep slopes[].

Other Uses

The older stems are woven into baskets and mats[]. The canes can be up to 3cm in diameter and, with the long gaps between nodes, produce a high-quality weaving material[, ].

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.