Black Bamboo, Kuro-Chiku
Phyllostachys nigra
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Form: Upright or erect.
Phyllostachys nigra is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 7.5 m (24ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 7.5
Where it is found
Fertile and moist places, also by streams. In open forests, on slopes or in valleys at elevations of 1100 - 1200 metres.
E. Asia - E. and C. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Young shoots - cooked. Somewhat acrid when raw, they are prepared for eating by boiling in one change of water, the water being changed after 8 - 10 minutes. A distinctive taste and aroma. The shoots, which are about 5cm in diameter, are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 3
The leaves are antipyretic and diuretic. They are used internally in the treatment of fevers (especially infantile convulsions), vomiting and nosebleeds. The leave are harvested during the growing season and dried for later use. The juice of the stems is antipyretic, antitussive, expectorant and sedative. It is taken internally in the treatment of lung infections with cough and phlegm. The sap is pressed from young stems in the summer and then dried for later use. The epidermis of the stem bark is antiemetic, depurative and sedative. It is used internally in the treatment of vomiting, nosebleeds, coughs etc. The epidermis is collected from young stems in the summer and is dried for later use. The root is astringent, antipyretic, diuretic and styptic. It has been used in the treatment of rabies. The roots are harvested in the winter and dried for later use.
Antiemetic: Prevents vomiting.
Antitussive: Prevents or relieves coughing.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Depurative: Eliminates toxins and purifies the system, especially the blood.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Expectorant: Clears phlegm from the chest by inducing coughing.
Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.
Sedative: Gently calms, reducing nervousness, distress and irritation.
Styptic: An astringent that stops bleeding by contracting the blood vessels.
Other
Rating: 0
The canes make good plant supports. Thin walled but durable, the canes are also used for cabinet work and for decorative panels and inlays. The rhizome is used in making umbrella handles, wickerwork, canes, musical instruments and various kinds of handicrafts.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Plant support: Usually bamboos, used as canes in the garden for holding up plants.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Container, Massing, Specimen. Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered sunny position and plenty of moisture in the growing season. A very hardy plant, tolerating temperatures down to at least -7°c, but it dislikes prolonged exposure to hard frosts. Another report says that it is hardy to about -18°c. A very ornamental plant. There are many named forms of this species, some of them are given specific status by some botanists. These forms include 'Boryana', 'Fulva', 'Henonis' and 'Punctata'. It is the form 'Henonis' that is normally used medicinally in China. 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 is a good companion species to grow in a woodland because the plants are shallow rooted and do not compete with deep rooted trees. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. The plant has a running rootstock, though not aggressively so in the cooler climate of Britain. and it produces new shoots from May. Cultivated for its edible young shoots in China. This species has been widely planted for ornament in the Mediterranean and is becoming established. The ssp. P. nigra boryana and P. nigra henonis are also mentioned for their edible young shoots, they are both cultivated for their edible shoots which are similar in all respects to P. nigra. Dead stems can be removed at any time of the year. It is also possible to thin the clumps in spring, leaving only the strongest stems and thus creating an open grove-like effect. Special Features: Attractive foliage.
Propagating it: 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. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Division in spring as new growth commences. Divisions from the open ground do not transplant well, so will need careful treatment and nurturing under cover in pots until at least late spring. Division is best carried out in wet weather and small divisions will establish better than large clumps. Another report says that you can take large divisions from established clumps and transfer them straight to their permanent positions, misting or drenching them frequently until they are established. Basal cane cuttings in spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Bamboo
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Synonyms
Bambusa nigra.