Chinese timber bamboo
Phyllostachys vivax 'Aureocaulis'
Grass family (Poaceae)
Golden stems takes over
The name 'Aureocaulis' (in inverted commas) indicates that this is a cultivated form of bamboo that does not exist in the wild. This variety is grown in China for its golden stems, often bearing a thin, green, vertical stripe. The stems can reach up to 6 m or higher and quickly form a grove of bamboo that extends gradually by way of root suckers. To prevent it from taking over the whole garden, gardeners must from time to time engage in combat with the rhizomes.
The native Chinese Phyllostachys vivax is also known as the Chinese timber bamboo, which describes its use as a source of timber. Although the stems are hollow, they are also very hard. Today China exports compressed bamboo as a substitute for tropical hardwood. The shoots of new, young stems are very soft and are eaten in China.
Themes
Crown jewel in the Zuidas Botanic Garden.
Shoots are edible.
Used as a garden plant.
Details
Description: | Grasses, incl. bamboes, a vigorous bamboo with tall upright, golden-yellow canes, up to 8 m high bearing striped green, pendulous leaves of up to 20 cm in length. |
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Distributions: | Only found in cultivation. |
Habitat: | Cultivar; full sun or partial shade, sheltered. |
Year cycle: | Perennial (polycarpic evergreen) |
Hardiness: | 5 - 14 f (hardy - cold winter) |
Sources
https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/198452/i-Phyllostachys-vivax-i-f-i-aureocaulis-i/Details,The Bamboos of the World - ISBN 9780444500205