Gigantochloa atter

Cultivation Details

A plant of low to medium elevations in the tropics succeeding at elevations up to 1,400 metres^{[1, 2]}. It thrives in moister areas with an annual rainfall of more than 2,500 mm, but unlike many other members of the genus, it also tolerates drier environments with an annual rainfall as low as 1,000 mm^[1]. Prefers latosols, but can be grown also on alluvial, limestone, and sandy loam soils^[1]. After a cutting has been planted it may develop up to 24 culms in 3 years; the height of the culms increases from 2.1 metres in the first year to 6.5 metres in the second and 9 metres in the third year, and the diameter from 23mm to 42mm and to 67mm, respectively^[1]. 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^[PFAF]. Young shoots grow rapidly at first and culms attain their maximum length in 2 - 4 months. Branching begins when the lengthening phase of the culms is over, usually at 8 - 11 nodes from the top, followed by the growth from the next two nodes down, and then development continues both up and down the culm from this area until branches have been produced from all nodes above 2 - 3 metres from the ground^[1]. Usually one branch is dominant in each group^[1]. Harvesting of culms may start 4 - 5 years after planting. It is recommended to cut 2 - 3-year-old culms just above the ground, preferably in the dry season^[1]. The average yield of a clump is estimated at 6 - 7 culms per year, or, with 200 clumps per ha, 1 200 - 1,400 culms per ha per year^[1]. 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. It has been recorded that this species flowers gregariously about 50 - 60 years after planting, and subsequently dies^[1]. Watering and weeding are necessary in the first years after planting. When the clump becomes too crowded it should be thinned. Regularly cleaning clumps of old culm remnants and loosening the soil stimulates the development of young shoots^[1].