Common Name:

General Information

Sarocalamus spanostachyus 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 (southwest Sichuan)

Habitat

Dominating the undergrowth oinf Abies georgei and Rhododendron forests; at elevations from 3,200 - 3,900 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

This species is important for water and soil conservation in the fragile alpine regions where it grows[].

Other Uses

The stems are often used for brooms[]. They 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.