Herb: Umbrella Bamboo


Latin name: Semiarundinaria murielae


Synonyms: Arundinaria murielae


Family: Gramineae (Grass Family)



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Bamboo

Height:
4 m
(13 feet)

Habitat of Umbrella Bamboo:

Found at altitudes up to 3000 metres in W. Hupeh.

Other uses of the herb:

Tolerant of wind, so long as this is not too cold, the plant makes a good dense shelter hedge. It blankets noise very well. It needs to be planted fairly densely because it does not spread very quickly, 60 - 75cm is a good distance. The canes can be used as plant supports.

Propagation of Umbrella Bamboo:

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 as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow them on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out, which could be 2 - 3 years. The plants only flower at intervals of many years and so seed is rarely available. Division as the plants come into growth in spring. 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. Basal cane cuttings. Rhizome cuttings.

Cultivation of the herb:

Found at altitudes up to 3000 metres in W. Hupeh.

Medicinal use of Umbrella Bamboo:

None known

Known hazards of Semiarundinaria murielae:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.