Phyllostachys pubescens (edulis), Moso bamboo seeds

Phyllostachys pubescens (edulis), Moso bamboo seeds

Phyllostachys pubescens belongs to the family of the Poaceae. It is also known as Moso-
Bamboo and has a second scientific name: Phyllostachys edulis. It is native to China and was
brought to Europe in 1875.
Moso bamboo reaches a height of about 4 to 12 m. In China one knows individuals that are
about 30 m high. It is one of the biggest bamboo species in the world, only some tropic
species get even higher. P. pubescens grows very fast, up to 1 m a day. The stalk reaches 8 to
18 cm in diameter. The stalk is pubescent because of that it has the name “pubescens”.
The leaves are longish, simple and 4 to 11 cm long and about 0,8 cm wide. One stalk has
many leaves so that it has a really close treetop.
The flowers stand in inflorescences that are called spikelet. The seeds are small and longish.
P. pubescens has stolones that should be stop when cultivated in the garden. This can be done
with a ring that goes down into the ground to stop the roots from expanding.
P. pubescens can be used to produce parquet floor. In China it is mainly cultivated because of
the shoots that can be eaten and taste very well. In Europe this fast growing species is popular
as screen.

Cultivation of Moso bamboo from seeds
The seeds of P. pubescens should be put in water 24 h before planting. After that they can be
slightly covered with substrate that way that the seed will still get some light which is necessary for germination. A sandy substrate is the best. When the substrate is kept
constantly moist at a temperature of about 27°C to 30°C germination occurs after 2 to 4
weeks. P. pubescens is winter hardy until minus 20 °C. In the first year it should be kept out
of the frost.