Phyllostachys

Type: Phyllostachys reticulata (Rupr.) K. Koch, 1873

Synonym: Sinoarundinaria Ohwi, 1931.

Suprageneric classification: subtribe Arundinariinae Nees ex Lindl., 1836; Benth., 1881; tribe Arundinarieae Asch. & Graebn., 1902; subfamily Bambusoideae Luerss., 1893; family Poaceae Barnhart, 1895 (nom. alt.: Gramineae Juss., 1789); superorder Lilianae Takht., 1967; order Poales Small, 1903. — Soreng & al., 2017 [#1252b] — Y. X. Zhang, C. Guo & D. Z. Li, 2020 [#1327].

Distribution: N. Bystriakova & al., Bamboo Biodiversity, 2003: map 7 [#1342].

References: J. Y. Shi & al., Phyllostachys, in: Illus. Fl. Bambusoideae China, 2020: p. 1-115, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-10-8580-2_16-1 [#1328].

Comments: Phyllostachys is a genus native to China, mainly distributed in its subtropical and temperate areas in the South and East. In early times, several species were introduced into neighboring countries (Phyllostachys edulis to Japan in 1737) and have become naturalized. Thailand hosts several introduced species of Phyllostachys, but no detailed contribution (e.g. on species names, date of introduction, whether they became naturalized or are known in cultivation only) has been seen. Phyllostachys species were introduced into Thailand in the 20th century, possibly from Taiwan, and only one or two species, such as Phyllostachys nigra, might have been introduced earlier. One record of an unidentified Phyllostachys species (possibly Phyllostachys mannii) is known, which was found naturalized in the borderland area with Myanmar of northern Thailand, extending to Myanmar (E. F. Anderson in Pl. Peop. Gold. Triangle, 1993: 111).

Local distribution: A few species of Phyllostachys were found being offered for sale at Kham Thiang Market, Chiang Mai. One unidentified species is kept in cultivation on the living bamboo collection site of Royal Project, Huai Hong Khrai (ห้วยฮ่องไคร้) Study Center, A. Doi Saket, Chiang Mai Province.

Characteristics: All species of Phyllostachys have the monopodial rhizome type, forming erect culms of an open, grove-like habit.

Uses: In Thailand as an ornamental or grove-forming bamboo on sites where the invasive growth of the species can be controlled.

Cultivation requirements: Plants will survive in tropical Thailand, but will reach a satisfactory height and culm diameter only at higher altitudes, perhaps in the North from uphill 800 m, and might prefer cooler, light-shady sites with moisture-retentive soil.