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Phyllostachys edulis Moso-chiku Evergreen bamboo (1 Page of 5) The Phyllostachys edulis plant species is found in E. Asia - China. It is a member of the Gramineae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Moso-chiku. Some home gardeners know the variety as P. mitis. P. pubescens. H. de Lehar. Bambusa edulis. Sinarundinaria pubescens. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Phyllostachys edulis Common Name: Moso-chiku Family: Gramineae Author: (Carr.)Houz. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 6 Mature Width: Habitat: Woodland[162].
Cultivation Notes: Requires a rich damp soil in a sheltered position[200] with plenty of moisture in the growing season[162]. Likes abundant sunshine[11].
A fairly cold-hardy plant, succeeding outdoors in many areas of Britain. It tolerates temperatures down to about -15°c according to one report, but the plants are slow to recover from damage caused by cold weather[11]. They also dislike prolonged exposure to hard frosts[200].
Plants grow well in Cornwall making a very good sized clump. The young shoots are very fast growing, up to 30cm per day[11], and are produced from late April[25]. The rootstock is running but it is practically static in cool climates[25].
This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die[122].
Young plants can be difficult to establish, new plantings only grow slowly at first and often fail completely if soil and water conditions are less than the best[195].
Cultivated for its edible young shoots and other uses in China and Japan[46, 183], it is the most commonly cultivated bamboo in China and the second most common in Japan[195].
This is a good companion species to grow in a woodland because the plants are shallow rooted and do not compete with deep rooted trees[195].
For further Phyllostachys edulis gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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