Metake - Bamboo

Pseudosasa japonica

Physical Characteristics

Pseudosasa japonica is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 4.5 m (14ft) by 3 m (9ft). 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, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

E. Asia - Japan. Frequently naturalized in Britain.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Hedge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Shoots Stem Edible Uses: Young shoots - cooked[2, 105, 177]. Harvested in the late spring when about 8 - 10cm above ground level, cutting the stems 5cm or more below soil level. They have a rather bitter flavour[K]. Seed - used as a cereal[105]. Small quantities of seed are produced in many years but it is seldom viable.

Medicinal Uses

Abortifacient Anthelmintic Antivinous Aphrodisiac Stimulant Tonic Anthelmintic, antivinous, stimulant, tonic[178]. Used orally in Chinese medicine for asthma, coughs and gallbladder disorders. In India leaves are used for spasmodic disorders of the stomach and to arrest bleeding [301]. Leaves used as a aphrodisiac [301].

Known Hazards

Shoots may contain toxic cyanogens (removed by cooking)[301]. Do not use during pregnancy [301].