Schizostachyum iraten

Cultivation Details

A 3-year-old clump in East Java contained 40 culms, however, a mature clump may contain up to 100 culms^[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. A mature clump in the botanical garden in Bogor produces young shoots and flowers all the year round^[1]. Pseudospikelets fall off as soon as they reach maturity, therefore mature fruits have rarely been found. In Peninsular Malaysia, Schizostachyum iraten has never been found flowering^[1]. This species is closely related to Schizostachyum lima and Schizostachyum jaculans^[1].