Common Name:

General Information

Phyllostachys rubromarginata is an evergreen bamboo that can grow around 3.5 metres tall; the erect, woody culms are around 25mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes 22 - 31cm 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 harvested from the wild and also sometimes cultivated, for use as a food and a source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Zhejiang, Guangxi)

Habitat

Scrub, banks of gullies[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	3.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Phyllostachys rubromarginata grows in the subtropical climate of southern China, though it is also cultivated in the temperate zone in central China.
Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered position and plenty of moisture in the growing season.
This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[]. It dislikes prolonged exposure to hard frosts.
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].
Cultivated for its edible shoots in China[].
Plants show a remarkably high survival rate when planted out[]. Commercial plantings in America averaged around 86% success rate[]. (This probably refers to divisions)
In tests in Alabama, USA, this species was considerably more productive than any other member of this genus in producing canes as measured by number and by weight of the wood[].
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[]. They have a small degree of acridity when raw but this is removed if they are boiled in water, they are then eaten in salads etc[]. The shoots, which are about 25mm 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

The canes are used for plant supports, making musical pipes and weaving baskets etc[, ].

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.