Phyllostachys

For the taxonomic synonym for a genus of sedges, see Carex.

Phyllostachys
Phyllostachys nigra
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Subfamily: Bambusoideae
Tribe: Arundinarieae
Subtribe: Arundinariinae
Genus: Phyllostachys
Siebold & Zucc.
Synonyms[1]

Sinoarundinaria Ohwi

Phyllostachys (/ˌfɪloʊˈstækɪs, -lə-, -ˈsteɪ-/[2][3]) is a genus of Asian bamboo in the grass family.[4][5][6] Many of the species are found in central and southern China, with a few species in northern Indochina and in the Himalayas. Some of the species have become naturalized in parts of Asia, South America, Australia, and southern Europe.[7]

The stem or culm has a prominent groove, called a sulcus, that runs along the length of each segment (or internode). Because of this, it is one of the most easily identifiable genera of bamboo. Most of the species spread aggressively by underground rhizomes.[7] Being pioneer plants, phyllostachys species will not spread quickly or achieve mature height without access to direct sunlight throughout most of the day.

Some species of Phyllostachys grow to 100 ft (30 m) tall in optimum conditions. Some of the larger species, sometimes known as "timber bamboo", are used as construction timber and for making furniture.[7] Several species are cultivated as ornamental plants, though they can become invasive and troublesome in gardens, unless artificially restricted or grown in containers.[8]

The name Phyllostachys means "leaf spike" and refers to the inflorescences.[9]

  1. ^ Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  2. ^ "Pronunciation Guide for Plants". Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  3. ^ "Pronunciation of phyllostachys". Retrieved 2016-01-22.
  4. ^ Siebold, Philipp Franz Balthasar von, & Zuccarini, Joseph Gerhard. 1843. Abhandlungen der Mathematisch-Physikalischen Classe der Königlich Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften 3(3): 745–749 descriptions in Latin, commentary in German
  5. ^ Siebold, Philipp Franz Balthasar von, & Zuccarini, Joseph Gerhard. 1843. Abhandlungen der Mathematisch-Physikalischen Classe der Königlich Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften 3(3): plate V (5), figure III (3) at lower right line drawings of Phyllostachys bambusoides
  6. ^ Tropicos, Phyllostachys Siebold & Zucc.
  7. ^ a b c Flora of China Vol. 22 Page 163 刚竹属 gang zhu shu Phyllostachys Siebold & Zuccarini, Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 3: 745. 1843.
  8. ^ Brickell, Christopher, ed. (2008). The Royal Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. United Kingdom: Dorling Kindersley. p. 810. ISBN 9781405332965.
  9. ^ Coombes, Allen J. (2012). The A to Z of plant names. USA: Timber Press. pp. 312. ISBN 978-1-60469-196-2.