Common Name: Sweetshoot Bamboo

General Information

Phyllostachys dulcis is an evergreen bamboo that can grow up to 10 metres tall; the erect, woody culms are 40 - 60mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes up to 25cm long[]. The rhizomes are elongated, the plant having a running habit that can produce new canes some distance from the main clump, especially in warm climates. This tendency to run, however, is somewhat curtailed in cooler climates, where new shoot production can be rather reduced.
The plant is widely cultivated in eastern China for its edible shoots, considered by many to be the best quality shoots in the entire genus. The mature stems are also used for various purposes.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - eastern China ((Fujian, Jiangsu, Zhejiang))

Habitat

Not known

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Phyllostachys dulcis is cultivated in the temperate to subtropical zones of eastern China. It is a fairly hardy species, one report says that it tolerates temperatures down to about -10°c[], whist another says it can tolerate occasional temperatures as low as -20°c[]. However it dislikes prolonged exposure to hard frosts[, ].
Succeeds in full sun and in dappled shade. Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered position. Dislikes drought[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].
The new growth emerges in early spring.
Cultivated in China for its edible young shoots[, ].
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

Young shoots - raw or cooked. Free of any acridity, they make excellent eating[]. Used in salads, soups, stews etc, this is one of the most highly esteemed edible bamboos in China[, ]. The shoots, which are 4 - 6cm in diameter[], are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level.

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

This is a good companion species to grow in a woodland because the plants have shallow root systems that do not compete with deep tree roots[].

Other Uses

Canes can be used for industrial purposes but are weaker than many other members of this genus[]. The culms are used as handles of farm tools[].

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. Divisions from the open ground do not transplant well, so will need careful treatment and nurturing under cover in pots until at least late spring[]. Division is best carried out in wet weather and small divisions will establish better than large clumps[]. Another report says that you can take large divisions from established clumps and transfer them straight to their permanent positions, misting or drenching them frequently until they are established[].
Basal cane cuttings in spring.