Bambusa chungii
| Bambusa chungii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 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 white bamboo or tropical blue bamboo, is a large, tall bamboo species, often found in Hong Kong, and originating in southern China and Vietnam.[1] Its blue-green or white culms often reach a height of 10 m.[2][3]
Description
The bamboo grove of this species often spreads to 3 m when mature, sometimes spreading to 5 m, often growing in company of trees in a humid, half-sunlight environment. Culms which can grow to a maximum height of 20 m or less are covered in naturally occurring white powder, which are used to waterproof the plant. [4]
The two main types of bamboos are clumpers and running bamboos. Clumping bamboos, such as the B. chungii, are noninvasive bamboos (sympodial or pachymorph). They have short roots and form discrete clumps. Some types of clumping bamboos clump more tightly than others-meaning, the culms (canes) grow closely together, omitting light from being seen through the other side of a mature species. Each new culm that shoots up is larger than the last. Growth rates vary since they depend on soil, water, nutrient, weather conditions, climate, etc. It has been successful growing in Central Florida, some areas of California, and Hawaii.
Also, a few species of clumpers have slightly longer roots (6–18 in), 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 generally form discrete circular clumps. The clumps slowly enlarge as new culms emerge every year, but may ultimately need to expand from a 3 to 10 ft. in diameter (or more, especially for taller types) to reach their mature height, depending on species. The dense root system can exert strong pressure on structures in contact with it, thus clumpers should be planted at some distance from fences, sidewalks, retaining walls, etc. Clumpers make excellent specimen plants and also form very dense screens, but more slowly than runners. Except for the Fargesias,Template:Citation neeeded 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 around 2.0-18 inches. Most are also very cold-hardy. [5]