Common Name: Pauk Wa

General Information

Pseudostachyum polymorphum is a perennial, evergreen bamboo producing solitary, or small groups of culms 15 - 20 metres long from an elongated, creeping rhizome[, ]. The culms, which can be erect or leaning, are thin-walled, 30 - 35mm in diameter with internodes 20 - 23cm long. The tall culms are branched at the top only, thus often taking support from neighbouring trees[].
A very widely used bamboo within its native range, being gathered from the wild and used to make mats, panelling, baskets etc. It is sometimes planted to provide shelter in tea gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern China, northeast India, Bhutan, Myanmar, Vietnam.

Habitat

Moist valleys, or under the shade of trees at elevations up to 1,500 metres[]. Found predominantly near water sheds and valleys where the climate is cool, moist and shady[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	18.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of subtropical and tropical areas, where it is mainly found at elevations from 300 - 1,200 metres[]. It grows in areas of high rainfall[].

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.
This species flowers frequently - the flowering resulting in the death of the entire clump[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Plants are sometimes used to provide shade in tea gardens[].

Other Uses

A very valuable bamboo, considered to be the best species in Sikkim for the basket-work used on the tea estates, etc[]. The culms and rhizome-necks are used for weaving, basket and mat making, small handicrafts, etc[, , ]. The thin-walled culms are easily split and the laths flexible and durable[, , ]. This makes it an excellent species for weaving into panelling, roofing or fencing[]. Because of the length of the canes, the absence of branches in the lower sections and the unraised nodes, this panelling is very strong and can be woven very tightly[]. The culms are also said to be durable and insect resistant[]. It is also largely utilised in the manufacture of mats and for tying the rafters of huts[]. Young shoots come away freely and are very straight[].

Propagation

Seed -

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