Common Name: Tonkin Bamboo

General Information

Pseudosasa amabilis is an evergreen bamboo that can grow 6 - 13 metres tall; the erect, woody culms are 20 - 60mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes are 30 - 40cm long, occasionally to 50cm[]. 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 plantations for its high quality stems which are of high mechanical quality - large quantities are exported to other countries of SE Asia and the United States[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - southern China

Habitat

Forests, forest margins and damp grasslands[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Pseudosasa amabilis is moderately cold resistant. It has withstood several degrees of frost in southern England[], with reports that it can tolerate short-lived temperatures down to about -10°c., though it can be badly damaged in prolonged cold spells[].
Prefers an open loam of fair quality and a position sheltered from cold drying winds[]. Succeeds on peaty soils[]. Requires abundant moisture and plenty of organic matter in the soil[].
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

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Canes are tough, resilient and strong. Of high mechanical quality, they make very good plant supports and are also used for handicrafts, hop poles and pole vaulting[, , , , ], they are remarkably stiff[].

Propagation

Seed - if possible, surface sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Stored seed is best sown as soon as it is obtained. 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 when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until they are large enough to plant out, which might take a few years. Plants only flower at intervals of several years and so 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[].