Indocalamus latifolius
Family: Poaceae or Gramineae
What it is like
Indocalamus latifolius is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Open forest on mountain slopes and in valleys at elevations below 1000 metres.
E. Asia - E. China.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The canes are used for making Chinese brushes, chopsticks etc. The large leaves are used for mantles. (does this mean some sort of headwear?)
Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
How it is grown
Requires a good humus rich loam with ample moisture in the growing season. Prefers partial shade, growing well in thin woodland. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. The rootstock is running and plants can be invasive. 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.
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. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out (which could be a few years). Seed of this species is rarely available. Division in spring as the plant comes into growth. 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.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;
Habit: Bamboo
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist