The Moso bamboo ( Phyllostachys edulis ) is a giant running variety of bamboo most famous for it’s ecomomic importance to the Chinese and the fact that it is the largest growing species of Bamboo in temperate regions. Phyllostachys edulis is cultivated in China for its timber, its edible shoots and for its use in the textile industry. Moso Bamboo is fast growing and it has been rumoured to grow a metre a day in its natural climate!
Moso Bamboo is native to China & Taiwan and is highly frost tolerant coping with temperatures down to -18 to -20°C. This species does not grow well in warmer, humid tropical climates. It has also been naturalised in Japan where it is now a cultural symbol of prosperity!
Other common names for the Phyllostachys edulis are Mao Zuo & Tortoise Shell Bamboo, the tortoise shell name comes from the sheaths that protect fresh bamboo growth as they are are brown marbled/spotted colour. Sheaths will peel and fall off as the bamboo grows, revealing the dark green culm that eventually turn a yellow colour as it ages. The shoots of the Moso Bamboo are edible and are commercially harvested for local food supply but also canned for export.
Growth
This species of Bamboo is running variety so is best grown in pots, containers or under controlled conditions to keep it in check. Phyllostachys edulis can spread quickly and become a nuisance, which is why it is not recommended for small suburban gardens unless it is grown in pots or containers.
Moso culms grow to a massive 28 metres, It is not the largest Bamboo in the world though, there are some tropical species that grow larger. If you don’t want a bamboo this tall, bamboo can be cut off at preferred height and will not grow any taller once this is done, it will however continue to branch and become thicker. Adult leaf (blade) length can be 9 cm and its culms can grow up to 20 cm thick.
Seedlings don’t always grow quickly early on but the resulting shoots that grow up from the underground rhizomes can almost be seen growing.
FAMILY:
Poaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold, Temperate.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-20 to 35°C / -4 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Soil must be well draining. Suitable for most types of soil but does not like boggy or clay soils that retain moisture
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 28 metres (90 feet)
WIDTH:
Fast Spreading Running Bamboo
pH:
4.0-8.0, not fussy
GROWTH TYPE:
Evergreen, Perennial, Running
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium – Bamboo can be a little thirsty during warmer times of the year.
POLLINATION:
Wind Pollinated
MATURITY:
3-7 years
GERMINATION RATES:
82%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-12 weeks, dependent on conditions
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Coming Soon
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
Yes – fast growing running variety
FACTS ABOUT PHYLLOSTACHYS EDULIS
Phyllostachys edulis only produce seeds once in around every 50 years.
Moso Bamboo has huge commercial value in China, it is cultivated for it uses in the building & construction, textile, craft, furniture and food industries.
The ‘edulis’ part of the botanical name refers to this bamboo’s edible shoots.
