Bambusa chungii
| White Bamboo Tropical Blue Bamboo | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Bambusa chungii Stalks | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Monocots |
| (unranked): | Commelinids |
| Order: | Poales |
| Family: | Poaceae |
| Genus: | Bambusa |
| Species: | B. chungii |
| Binomial name | |
| Bambusa chungii McClure | |
Bambusa chungii, commonly known as the White Bamboo or the Tropical Blue Bamboo, is a large, tall bamboo species, often found in Hong Kong, and originating in southern China and Vietnam.[1] It's blue-green or white culms often reach a height of 10 meters.[2][3]
Description
The bamboo grove of this species often spreads to 3 metres when mature, sometimes spreading to 5 meters, often growing in company of trees in a humid, half-sunlight environment. Culms which can grow to a maximum height of 20 meters or less are covered in naturally occurring white powder, which are used to waterproof the plant. [4]
There are two main types of bamboos: clumpers and running bamboos. Clumping bamboos, such as the Bambusa chungii, are noninvasive bamboos (sympodial or pachymorph). They have short roots and form discrete clumps. There are different types of clumpers Some species clump more tightly than others-meaning, the culms (canes) grow closely together, omitting light from being seen through the other side of a mature specie. Each new culm that shoots up is larger than the last. Growth rates vary since it is dependent on soil, water, nutrient, weather conditions, climate, etc. It has been successful growing in Central Florida, some areas of California and Hawaii.
There are also a few species of clumpers which have slightly longer roots (6-18"), and are referred as open clumpers.
Clumping bamboos have a very short root structure, are genetically incapable of expanding more than few inches a year, and will generally form discrete circular clumps. The clumps slowly enlarge as new culms emerge every year, but may ultimately need to expand to anywhere from a 3 to 10 ft. diameter (or more, especially for taller types) in order to reach their mature height, depending on species. The dense root system can exert strong pressure on structures in contact with it, and thus clumpers should be planted at some distance from fences, sidewalks, retaining walls, etc. Clumpers make excellent specimen plants and will also form very dense screens, but more slowly than runners. Except for the Fargesias, clumpers tend to be less cold-hardy than runners.
Running bamboos spread variously, sending out underground runners (rhizomes) which sometimes range far from the parent plant. Runners fill in the spaces between plantings faster, making them ideal for fast screens, hedges, and the popular open grove look. Bamboo runners may be easily contained, since the rhizomes grow sideways at a depth of only about 2-18 inches. Most are also very cold-hardy. [5]
One should choose wisely which type to plant as there are positive and negative factors to consider.