Madake, Japanese timber bamboo

Phyllostachys bambusoides

Basic Information

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

Genus: phyllostachys

Plant ID (slug): phyllostachys-bambusoides

Numeric ID: 23613

USDA Hardiness: 6-9

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Phyllostachys bambusoides is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked as a vegetable[25, 46, 105]. Large but somewhat acrid when raw[61], they require boiling in a lot of water or in several changes of water[183]. The shoots are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level. The shoots contain about 2.1% protein, 0.3% fat, 3.2% carbohydrate, 0.9% ash[179].

Medicinal Uses

Antipyretic The leaves are antipyretic[218]. New shoots are used in the treatment of haematuria[218].