Narihira bamboo, Temple bamboo
Semiarundinaria fastuosa
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A tall upright bamboo. It grows 7 m high and spreads 2 m wide. The canes are shiny and mid green. They are 1-4 cm wide. They have few leaves on the lower sections. There are purple-brown stripes on the canes. There are 3 branches at each node.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in light woodland and moist places. It suits hardiness zones 6-9.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, China, Indonesia, Japan (country/location of origin), SE Asia, Taiwan, USA
How it is used for food
The young shoots are cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Shoots
How it is grown
Plants can be grown by dividing the clumps. It can also be grown from seeds.
Its other names
Local names
Bambu kuil, Narihira-dake