- Giant
bamboo which, in its native habitat in Southern China, grows 20 m or
more with thick culms of up to 15 cm in diameter.
-
P. edulis and all forms are
hardy plants which tolerate mild winters. They are more
suitable to the warmer regions of southern Europe. They do not adapt very well in
north European climates and can freeze to the ground in winter. New shoots can develop early (in May) but are susceptible to late frost.
-
Edulis
means edible. Very often the name Phyllostachys pubescens is used which indicates the pubescence of culms and branches. When shoots or culms mature this pubescence disappears. The
color of the culms is greyish due to the powder.
-
In
China this bamboo is used widely for food, and as source of biomass for wood and paper industry. In Western Europe
P. edulis can be used as an ornamental plant but only when sheltered in winter. Despite its limited hardiness
P. edulis and all forms are very graceful bamboos, and deserve a sheltered spot in the garden.
Other
Forms
-
'Heterocycla' or
'Kikkuchiku': the lower internodes are deformed and this form is also called Tortoise shell bamboo.
-
'Nabeshimana': the culm is yellow with several narrow to wide green stripes.
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'Bicolor': the culm is yellow, but with fewer green stripes.‘
'Bicolor'
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