Black Bamboo, Kuro-Chiku

Phyllostachys nigra

Basic Information

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

Genus: phyllostachys

Plant ID (slug): phyllostachys-nigra

Numeric ID: 23131

USDA Hardiness: 7-10

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Phyllostachys nigra is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 7.5 m (24ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a fast rate. 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 - E. and C. China.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked[25, 46, 105, 177]. Somewhat acrid when raw[61], they are prepared for eating by boiling in one change of water, the water being changed after 8 - 10 minutes[183]. A distinctive taste and aroma[183]. The shoots, which are about 5cm in diameter[266], are harvested in the spring when they are about 8cm above the ground, cutting them about 5cm below soil level.

Medicinal Uses

Antiemetic Antitussive Astringent Depurative Diuretic Expectorant Febrifuge Sedative Styptic The leaves are antipyretic and diuretic[218]. They are used internally in the treatment of fevers (especially infantile convulsions), vomiting and nosebleeds[238]. The leave are harvested during the growing season and dried for later use[238]. The juice of the stems is antipyretic, antitussive, expectorant and sedative[147, 176, 218]. It is taken internally in the treatment of lung infections with cough and phlegm[238]. The sap is pressed from young stems in the summer and then dried for later use[238]. The epidermis of the stem bark is antiemetic, depurative and sedative[147, 176, 218]. It is used internally in the treatment of vomiting, nosebleeds, coughs etc[238]. The epidermis is collected from young stems in the summer and is dried for later use[238]. The root is astringent, antipyretic, diuretic and styptic[147, 176, 218]. It has been used in the treatment of rabies[238]. The roots are harvested in the winter and dried for later use[238].