Common Name:

General Information

Bambusa heterostachya is an evergreen bamboo growing 6 - 10 metres tall. It has short rhizomes that produce solitary, thin-walled culms 30 - 60mm in diameter.
The plant is harvested for local use as a source of materials. A small form has been planted as a roadside ornamental[].
Although only known from Peninsular Malaysia, a region which has undergone rapid recent habitat conversion, its generalized ecology and proximity to villages, and the fact that it is commonly cultivated, mean that it is under no threat of extinction. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - probalby Malaysia, though it has not been found in a truly wild situation.

Habitat

Often planted around villages, it is not known in a wild habitat

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	8.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental

Cultivation Details

The plant seems well adapted to a humid tropical lowland climate without a strict dry season[].

Bamboos have an interesting method of growth. Each plant produces a number of new stems annually - these stems grow to their maximum height in their first year of growth, subsequent growth in the stem being limited to the production of new side branches and leaves. In the case of some mature tropical species the new stem could be as much as 30 metres tall, with daily increases in height of 30cm or more during their peak growth time. This makes them some of the fastest-growing species in the world[].
Bamboos in general are usually monocarpic, living for many years before flowering, then flowering and seeding profusely for a period of 1 - 3 years before usually dying.

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

Strips of the culm are used to make baskets and as tying material (e.g. to attach coconuts)[].
The strong, straight, medium-sized culms are used as poles to harvest fruits and to pollinate flowers of oil palm[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in containers as soon as it is ripe, preferably at a temperature around 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Prick out the seedlings into containers when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a lightly shaded place until large enough to plant out. Plants only flower at intervals of many years and so seed is rarely available.
Division as new growth commences[]. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more[].
Plants can be propagated vegetatively by rhizome, culm and branch cuttings. The propagules are raised in a nursery and after they have produced roots and developed rhizomes they are planted out in the field during the rainy season in pits filled with a mixture of compost and soil[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: 10 times itself is?