| Phyllostachys aureosulcata | |
|---|---|
| Phyllostachys aureosulcata cv. 'Spectabilis' | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Phyllostachys |
| Species: | Ph. aureosulcata |
| Binomial name | |
| Phyllostachys aureosulcata McClure |
|
| Phyllostachys aureosulcata | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese | 黃槽竹 | ||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 黄槽竹 | ||||||
|
|||||||
Phyllostachys aureosulcata is a very hardy running bamboo with a distinctive yellow stripe in the culm groove (or sulcus) that is often grown as an ornamental. [1] [2]
Contents |
This bamboo grows to an expected height of 9 meters (30 feet) with a culm diameter of 4 cm (1.6 inches). [2] In areas where the average winter minimum temperature falls above -15°C (5°F), it may grow to a maximum height of 14 meters (46 feet) with a diameter of 6.5 cm (2.6 inches) [3] The typical form of this species has dark green culms with a yellow groove. [1] Culm sheath colors appear purple-green usually striped with yellow. [2] Lower portions of the upright culms occasionally bend in a zigzag pattern. [4]
Several cultivars of this species exist in a variety of culm color patterns. 'Spectabilis' reverses the colors of the typical form with yellow culms and a green sulcus. [4] 'Aureocaulis' and 'Lama Temple' have all yellow culms, with 'Lama Temple' having culms of a brighter color that taper more rapidly to a shorter overall height. [5] [6] [7] 'Harbin' has green culms with multiple vertical ridges and irregular streaks of yellow. [8] Culms of 'Harbin Inversa' appear yellow with many thin green streaks, while lacking the ridges characteristic of 'Harbin.' [9] A sport of 'Spectabilis' called 'Argus' shares the same robust growth qualities and color as 'Spectabilis' but with additional green vertical stripes scattered around the whole circumference of each culm. [7] The all green form 'Alata' lacks any yellow culm coloring. [10] In spring, yellow portions of new aureosulcata culms that receive direct sunlight during the early cool hours of the day can develop a red tint or magenta blush that lasts for a couple months. [4] [5] [6] [9] [7]
This bamboo grows in areas ranging from subtropical to temperate and tolerates winter low temperatures better than most bamboos, being one of the hardiest bamboos in the genus Phyllostachys. [11] Outside its natural range in an area of humid continental climate with winter low temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C), growth above ground will die back every winter and regrow in the spring to 1.8 to 2.4 meters (6 to 8 feet) tall. [3]
In China, it is cultivated and found in Beijing and the provinces Henan, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. [2]
The culm coloration inspires this bamboo's common name of "Yellow Groove Bamboo" and botanical name of aureosulcata. [12] The all green cultivar 'Alata' is also known as "Crookstem Bamboo" due to its characteristic culm bends common to this species. [10]
Cultivated mainly as an ornamental, this species is also among the best for edible shoot production, being free of acrid flavor even when raw. [12] An aggressive spreader, its dense upright growth makes a good hedge or privacy screen. [3] [12]