Phyllostachys heteroclada

Botanical Description

Phyllostachys heteroclada is an evergreen bamboo that can grow 6 metres or more tall; the erect, woody culms are up to 30mm in diameter with thin-walled internodes up to 30cm long. The rhizomes are elongated, the plant having a running habit that can produce new canes some distance from the main clump, especially in warm climates. This tendency to run, however, is somewhat curtailed in cooler climates, where new shoot production can be rather reduced. The plant is harvested from the wild for used as a food and a source of materials. It is widely cultivated for its high quality stems, which are used in weaving[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. The plant is grown as an ornamental.