Dendrocalamus sp. (LA)
Dendrocalamus sp. (LA)
Distribution: THAILAND: introduced from China, perhaps not established in cultivation in Thailand. — LAOS.
Culm size: Not recorded, height expected to reach over 20 m.
Specimens: BS-0778 [†] [BBG] (living plant), raised from seeds, the seeds from FMXG, Yunnan, China, collected in Laos, without precise locality, Sep. 2013, and received as "Dendrocalamus sp. from Laos", Oct. 2013. BS-0880 [-] (seeds), from the same source, collected Feb. 2016, received Apr. 2016.
Seed viability: Unknown, viability is assumed to last at least several months.
Seed weight: 10 g ≈ 230–260 dried spikelets (husk-wrapped seeds).
Seed germination: (1) Seeds (BS-0778) laid on moistened tissue paper, 15 Oct. 2013, 23–30 °C day temperature, diffuse light, 18–22 °C night temperature, atmospheric humidity >70%, the primary roots developed after 7 days, the first coleoptiles emerged after 10 days, germination rate 35% by 5 Nov., and 41% by 17 Nov. 2013. — (2) Germination rate 32% with temperatures 22–26 °C, using a sterile soilless potting mix as substrate (composted pine bark, peat moss, worm casts, perlite, and clay, 6 pH) (F. C., 26 Nov. 2013).
Comments:
(1) Similar to Dendrocalamus giganteus from China, but with bigger leaves and a more drooping tip, according to FMXG.
(2) Some seedlings were distributed in northern Thailand in 2014, but their survival is in doubt and has not been recorded. The last living plant that remained at Bambusetum Baan Sammi died in 2020.
Dendrocalamus sp. (Laos): Flowering plant in the center of the image — by courtesy of Lihua Jiang, Yunnan Bamboo, China
Dendrocalamus sp. (Laos) (BS-0778): Seeds (left), germinating seeds, 12th day (right)
Dendrocalamus sp. (Laos) (BS-0778): Seedlings, 44th day