Odashimae Bamboo
Bambusa odashimae

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

Bambusa odashimae is an evergreen, clumping bamboo that grows up to 20 m tall. It is found in Asia and is cultivated in northern Taiwan for its edible young shoots.

Bambusa odashimae is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 15 m (49ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The flowers are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. 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. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 15

Where it is found

Lowland hilly areas.

E. Asia - southern China in Taiwan.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Found In: Asia, China, Taiwan.

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Edible portion: Shoots. Young shoots, harvested as they emerge from the soil, cooked. A delicious flavour. The shoots are up to 13cm in diameter. Considered similar to B. oldhamii, but highly prized for edible shoots due to its crisp flesh, similar to Asian pears.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 0

Other Uses: None known

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

How it is grown

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. In the case of some mature tropical species the new stem could be as much as 30 metres tall, with daily increases in height of 30cm or more during their peak growth time. This makes them some of the fastest-growing species in the world. 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.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in containers as soon as it is ripe, preferably at a temperature around 20c. 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 containers when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a lightly shaded place until large enough to plant out. Plants only flower at intervals of many years and so seed is rarely available. Division 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 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:

Habit: Bamboo

Hardiness: 9-12

Growth: Fast

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Odashimae Bamboo

Synonyms

Dendrocalamopsis edulis (Odash.) P.C.Keng. Leleba edulis Odash. Sinocalamus edulis (Odash.) P.C.Keng