This species might be of hybrid origin - Sasa nipponica × Pleioblastus argenteostriatus.

Common Name: Azuma-Zasa

General Information

Sasaella ramosa is an evergreen bamboo that can grow 100 - 200cm tall; the erect, woody culms are around 4 - 9mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes[]. The rhizomes are elongated, the plant having a running habit that can produce new canes some distance from the main clump. It quickly forms an open thicket of slender, erect culms topped by a loose canopy of large, spreading leaves[]
The plant can be used in soil stabilization projects.
The plant has a very vigorous rootstock, the plant can be very invasive and can get out of control[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Japan.

Habitat

Woodlands and damp hollows[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	1.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Sasaella ramosa is a very hardy bamboo, tolerating temperatures down to -22°c.
Prefers a position in partial shade, growing best in a good humus rich loam with ample moisture in the growing season[]. It grows well in thin woodland[].
The leaf margins are damaged by even light frosts, this gives a distinctive white margin to the leaves but does not otherwise damage the plant[].
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.
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

Agroforestry Uses:

The plants are very invasive and the extensive root system makes them very useful for soil stabilization on steep slopes[]. Because of the plants propensity to escape from cultivation and become invasive, it should only be used for this purpose within its native range[].

Other Uses

None known

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 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 until large enough to plant out, which could be a few years. Plants only flower at intervals of several years and so seed is rarely available.
Division in late 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[].
Basal cane cuttings.