Himalayacalamus falconeri

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Himalayacalamus falconeri is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 6 m (19ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. 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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 6

Where it is found

Cool broad-leaved forests, 2000 - 2500 metres.

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Young shoots - cooked and used as a vegetable. The young shoots are widely collected in Nepal and Bhutan, though this often conflicts with the other main use of the plant as a material for weaving.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The canes are thin walled, very light and pliable, they are used for basket making and other woven structures. The plant is frequently harvested from the wild for this purpose.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.

How it is grown

Prefers a humus rich friable sandy loam in a sunny position or in shade. Intolerant of winter wet and of temperatures below about -6°c. According to some authorities, the correct name for this species should be Himalayacalamus falconeri. 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. Usually only about 3 metres tall in Britain, plants can reach 10 metres in height in favoured areas. The rootstock is caespitose.

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. 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Bamboo

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Arundinaria falconeri. A. nobilis. Himalayacalamus falconeri. (Munro.)Keng.f. Thamnocalamus falconer