This species is probably better known as Phyllostachys bambusoides Siebold & Zucc. However that name was first published in 1843, whilst the plant was first validly described in 1839 when it was named Bambusa reticulata Rupr. Discovery of this earlier name means that, under the rules of Botanical Nomenclature, the earlier name has precedence.

Common Name: Madake

General Information

Phyllostachys reticulata is an evergreen bamboo that can grow up to 20 metres tall; the erect, woody culms can be up to 150mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes up to 40cm 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.
This species is planted on a commercial scale, especially in China and Japan, for the large culms, which are widely used for construction, weaving etc[]. The plant is also used as a food and a medicine, and is grown as an ornamental in gardens.
The plant has been widely grown as an ornamental in the Mediterranean and is becoming naturalized there[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - central and southern China, Japan.

Habitat

Woodland and especially on lower cleared slopes[]. In open and degraded forests; at elevations up to 1,800 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	12.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Phyllostachys reticulata grows from the temperate to the subtropical zones of China. Considered to be a very hardy plant[, ], it can tolerate occasional temperatures falling as low as about -18°c, but it dislikes prolonged exposure to hard frosts[].
Succeeds in ful sun and in partial shade. Requires a rich loamy soil and plenty of moisture in the growing season[] plus a sheltered position[].
There are some named forms selected for their ornamental value[]. 'Castillon' has smaller culms than the species type, the edible shoots are less bitter[]. A plant of this cultivar at Trebah gardens in Cornwall was growing well in woodland shade, it was 5 metres tall with canes 20mm in diameter[].
The rootstock is running but not aggressively so, especially in the cooler climate of Britain[]. New shoots are produced from late May[]. Individual stems can be long lived, staying leafy for up to 20 years[].
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. 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 - cooked as a vegetable[, , ]. Large but somewhat acrid when raw[], they require boiling in a lot of water or in several changes of water[]. The shoots are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level. The shoots contain about 2.1% protein, 0.3% fat, 3.2% carbohydrate, 0.9% ash[].

Medicinal

The leaves are antipyretic[].

New shoots are used in the treatment of haematuria[].

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[].
The plant has an extensive root system and is used for erosion control.

Other Uses

The large stems are non-tapering, the wood is very hard, relatively light and resilient[]. It is used for making furniture, flooring, plant supports etc[, , , ]. Fairly thick walled, the canes are considered to be the most versatile of this genus and are widely used in construction and other industrial uses[]. The split stems are good for weaving various bamboo articles[]. Even the dead culms are durable[].

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.