Common Name:

General Information

Sarocalamus faberi is an evergreen bamboo that can grow around 50 - 300cm tall; the erect, woody culms are 3 - 6mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes 15 - 20cm 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.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials. The vigorous root system of this plant make it a valuable soil binder in its subalpine habitat.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China (Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou)

Habitat

Subalpine coniferous forests, especially Abies; at elevations from 2,300 - 3,500 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Sarocalamus species are native to subalpine regions of the Himalayas and are generally fairly hardy. They experience cold winters wth frosts in their native environment, but also have hot summers. They can generally be grown outdoors in hardiness zones 5 and higher, and with at least moderate levels of rainfall.
Bamboos generally grow best in a sunny or moderately sunny position in a well-drained, fertile, open loam of reasonable quality with plenty of moisture in the growing season[]. They require a position sheltered from cold or strong winds[].
Members of this genus have an extensive root system and can send up new shoots 2 metres or more from the main clump. On a garden scale they can be invasive and need careful management.
This species is also an important food resource for the giant panda[].
Bamboos have an interesting method of growth. Each plant produces a number of new stems annually -usually in the spring and early summer, and these stems grow to their maximum height in their first two to three months. Any subsequent growth in the stem is limited to the production of new side branches and leaves.
Temperate bamboo species usually grow for many years without flowering. When they do finally flower it is not unusual for all the plants of that species in the region to also flower. They do so profusely over a period of 1 - 3 years and will often then die, probably from exhaustion. Some species, if given plenty of organic matter at this time will gradually recover, although they will look rather poorly for a year or three. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die[].
Bamboo species are usually notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The stems are used to make items such as penholders, and for the roofing of temporary shelters[].
The stems have very erect branches reminiscent of traditional brooms and besoms[].

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. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out, which could be 2 - 3 years. The plants only flower at intervals of many years and so seed is rarely available.
Division as the plants come 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[].
Basal cane cuttings.
Rhizome cuttings.