Common Name:

General Information

Pseudosasa hindsii is an evergreen bamboo that can grow 3 - 5 metres tall; the erect, woody culms are up to 25mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes 20 - 36cm 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, and so can be invasive[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - southeast China (Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hunan, Jiangxi, Zhejiang)

Habitat

Mountains or on hills near the coast[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	3.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Pseudosasa hindsii is found in the warm tropical to subtropical regions of southeast China.
Succeeds in most soils[] but prefers a good loamy soil in a sheltered position in semi-shade[]. Requires deep shade[] and a position sheltered from north and east winds[]. Dislikes drought[].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[].
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[].
This species is cultivated for its edible shoots in China[]. I think this might be a misidentification - the shoots of this species are likely to be bitter[].
New shoots are produced from mid spring[].
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.
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[, ]. A good flavour. The stems are about 10 - 25mm in diameter[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be used as a screen or a hedge[, ].

Other Uses

Canes can be used as plant supports[] and also make good flutes.

Propagation

Seed - if possible, surface sow the seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Stored seed should be sown as soon as it is received. 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 them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse or cold frame until they are large enough to plant out, which could be a number of years. The plants only flower at intervals of several years and so seed is rarely available.
Division as the plant comes into growth in spring. 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[].