Fishpole Bamboo, Golden bamboo
Phyllostachys aurea

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A bamboo. It forms clumps. It has strong underground stems. It grows 3-10 m tall. The lower internodes are very short. The stems are tough and erect. They are smooth and olive-green. They are more yellow in the sun. They are 25-40 mm wide. The leaf joints are enlarged and produce attractive yellow leaves. These are 5-10 cm long.

There are about 80 Phyllostachys species. It can become invasive.

Where it is found

It grows in warm temperate areas. It is cold hardy. It suits hardiness zones 7-11. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Geelong Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Cameroon, Central Africa, China (country/location of origin), Hawaii, Indochina, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, North America, Pacific, SE Asia, Taiwan, Tasmania, USA, Vietnam, West Africa

How it is used for food

The fresh shoots are eaten as a vegetable. They can also be eaten raw. They can be boiled, dried and stored for winter. The seeds are also eaten.

Edible parts

Seeds, stem, cereal, shoots, vegetable

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bambu joran kail, Gosan chiku, Hotei-chiku

Synonyms

Bambusa aurea Carriere [Invalid]; Phyllostachys bambusoides Sieb. & Zucc. var. aurea (Carr. ex Riviere & C. Riviere) Makino; and others