Herb latin name: Indocalamus latifolius


Family: Gramineae (Grass Family)



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Bamboo

Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Habitat of Indocalamus latifolius:

Elevations below 1000 metres.

Other uses of the herb:

The canes are used for making Chinese brushes, chopsticks etc. The large leaves are used for mantles. (does this mean some sort of headwear?)

Propagation of Indocalamus latifolius:

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°C. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out (which could be a few years). Seed of this species is rarely available. Division in spring as the plant comes into growth. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more.

Cultivation of the herb:

Elevations below 1000 metres.

Medicinal use of Indocalamus latifolius:

None known

Known hazards of Indocalamus latifolius:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.