Hedge Bamboo, Chinese dwarf bamboo
Bambusa multiplex

Family: Poaceae

What it is like

A hollow tufted bamboo. It forms clumps. It is 2-6 m tall. It has slender stalks. The stalks are 1-2.5 cm across. They arch over at the tips. The internodes are 30-50 cm long. The culm sheath is 12-15 cm long by 6-8 cm wide. It is light green when young and turns reddish-brown or pale brown. The leaves are flat and reddish-green. They are sword shaped and clasp the stem.The blade is triangular shape and 9-12 cm long. It tapers to the tip. The base attaches to the sheath. The leaves are usually at the end of a branch. There are 6-13 together. The blades are 7-12 cm long by 1-1.5 cm wide. Mature plants produce flowering branches which arch over. The flowers are at the end of a leafy branch. The spikelet is 3-4 cm long.

There are about 120 Bambusa species. They are tropical and subtropical in Asia.

Where it is found

A tropical and subtropical plant. In SE Asia it grows up to 1,500 m altitude. It tolerates temperatures as low as -8°C. It grows well on sandy soils. It needs a reasonable rainfall. It needs rich moist soils. It needs a sunny position. It is resistant to frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Geelong Botanical Gardens. In XTBG Yunnan. In Sichuan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Brazil, Cambodia, China (country/location of origin), Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Fiji, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Laos, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Marquesas, Mauritius, Mexico, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Seychelles, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad-Tobago, USA, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young shoots are edible. They are bitter so need to be harvested before they emerge from the soil. They are lightly cooked. They are also used in soup.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Shoots

How it is grown

It is usually grown from rhizome cuttings or shoots. It can be used as a hedge or living fence.

Its other names

Local names

Aor selat, Aur cino, Awi krisik, Bambi pagar, Bambu cina, Buloh china, Buloh pagar, Buluh pagar, Cay hop, Horai-chiku, Kawayan tsina, Nsungwi, Pa-lau-pinan-wa, Phai-li-ang, Pring chendani, Pring tjendani, Russei tae

Synonyms

Arundo multiplex Lour.; Bambusa glaucescens (Willd.) Sieb. ex Munro; Bambusa argentea; Bambusa nana Roxb.; and many others