Medake, Simon bamboo

Pleioblastus simonii

Physical Characteristics

Pleioblastus simonii is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. 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) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan. Locally naturalized in Britain[50].

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked[25, 61, 105]. They have a very bitter flavour, this bitterness is considerably reduced by changing the water at least once during the cooking process - though this will also remove quite a few of the nutrients[K]. The new shoots are about 20mm in diameter[K]. Seed cooked. As a grass seed the paper husk must be removed before eating.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known