Gigantochloa manggong

Cultivation Details

Gigantochloa manggong is a plant of tropical climates where it is found at elevations up to 1,500 metres. It grows in areas where the mean annual rainfall is around 1,400 mm^[1]. Plants raised from rhizome cuttings develop one shoot in the first year. In the next two years the number of new shoots and the height they attain gradually increase. From the third year on, culms can reach full length. Three years after planting, up to 25 culms may be present^[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]. 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. 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. This pattern can vary - sometimes flowering is sporadic, with plants flowering annually and not dying; at other times it is gregarious with all the plants in a specific species coming into flower at the same time. This species flowers gregariously, after which the clump dies, but a flowering cycle is not known^[1]. Growth of new culms starts at the beginning of the rainy season and culms attain full length in 4 - 5 months. Growth may be briefly interrupted by short rainy periods^[1]