Bamboo species

Phyllostachys species

Bamboo

DESCRIPTION

Tall perennial shrubs and tree-sized plants with a very strong cylindrical rhizome; flattened or grooved (the latter on alternating sides of the stem and above the axillary bud) woody stems with short hollow internodes. Sheathed articulated leaves with short- petiole; venation tessellated.

FLOWERS AND FRUIT

Terminal flowering heads usually appear after many years (possibly >100); spikelets are 1-4 flowered.

HABITAT AND RANGE

At least 30 species worldwide, many found in the warm temperate regions of Asia. Two naturalised species in Australia are found in Queensland and New South Wales. A difficult species to remove once fully established.