Common Name:

General Information

Indocalamus tessellatus is a loosely clump-forming, evergreen bamboo that can grow 75 - 200cm tall; the erect, woody culms are 4 - 7mm in diameter with internodes around 25cm long[]. When well sited, the rootstock can be rather running in habit and plants can become invasive[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials. The plant is often grown as an ornamental in gardens, where it can be used as a tall ground cover in very shaded sites. With its tolerance of low light levels, the plant also makes a nice tropical-looking house plant.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern and eastern China (Hunan, Zhejiang)

Habitat

Open forests on mountain slopes; at elevations from 300 - 1,400 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Indocalamus tessellatus is found at low to moderate elevations in the temperate climate of eastern and central China, mainly in hardiness zones 8 - 9. It is able to tolerate moderate frost with short-lived temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[]..
Requires a good humus rich loam with ample moisture in the growing season[]. Prefers partial shade[], growing well in thin woodland and also in deep shade[].
This species is 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.
Plants only flower at intervals of many years. 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

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant grows well in deep shade, where it can be used to make a tall ground cover.

Other Uses

The canes are used for making Chinese brushes, penholders, chopsticks etc[].

The large leaves are used for weaving bamboo hats and wrapping glutinous rice[]. This species possibly has the largest leaves of any bamboo species in cultivation - they can be up to 60cm long and 10cm wide[].

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. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out (which could be a few years). Seed of this species is rarely available.
Division in spring as the plant comes into growth. 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[].