Phyllostachys

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Phyllostachys
Phyllostachys nigra
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Liliopsida Order: Poales Family: Poaceae Subfamily: Bambusoideae Supertribe: Bambusodae Tribe: Bambuseae Subtribe: Shibataeinae Genus: Phyllostachys Siebold & Zuccarini
Species
Phyllostachys angusta Phyllostachys atrovaginata Phyllostachys aurea Phyllostachys aureosulcata Phyllostachys bissetii Phyllostachys edulis Phyllostachys glauca Phyllostachys heteroclada Phyllostachys makinoi Phyllostachys nigra Phyllostachys pubescens Phyllostachys vivax etc.

Phyllostachys is a genus of bamboo. The species are native to Asia with a large number of species found in Central China, but can now be found in many temperate and semi-tropical areas around the world as cultivated plants or escapes from cultivation. Most of the species spread aggressively by underground rhizomes and some are considered invasive species in areas outside their native range, particularly in North America.

The stem or culm has a prominent groove, called a sulcus, that runs along the length of each segment (or internode). Because of this it is one of the most easily identifiable genera of bamboo.

There are approximately 75 species and 200 varieties and cultivars of Phyllostachys. The largest grow to be about 100 feet (30 m) tall in optimum conditions. Some of the larger species, sometimes known as "timber bamboo", are used as construction timber and for making furniture.

Some of the smaller species can be grown as bonsai.