Common Name:

General Information

Himalayacalamus porcatus is a clump-forming, evergreen bamboo that can grow 3 - 6 metres tall; the erect, woody culms are 10 - 25mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes 15 - 30cm long[]. The plant spreads slowly by means of short rhizomes, eventually forming quite a large, dense clump.
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials for weaving and basket making.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - central Nepal

Habitat

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

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Himalayacalamus porcatus is native to cool broad-leaved forests in the Himalayas where it experiences frost and snow. 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 humus rich friable sandy loam in a sunny position or in shade[].
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. 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

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The stems are split and used for weaving. The plant produces quite large material, but it is not popular and is only used as a second choice because it is very brittle and leaves sharp edges when split which can cut the hands of the weavers[].

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.