Melocalamus compactiflorus

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist to wet tropics, where it is found at elevations from sea level to around 1,700 metres^[1]. It grows best in areas where the mean annual temperature falls within the range 20 - 29°c, but can tolerate 15 - 34°c^[1]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall of 1,000 - 2,000mm, but can tolerate 600 - 4,400mm^[1]. Grows best in a fertile soil on the heavy side^[1]. Succeeds in full sun or light shade^[1]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, but tolerates 5 - 7^[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.