Species Running Bamboo Moso
Phyllostachys pubescens.
From: China
Characteristics
Under suitable climate conditions Moso can grow to heights of over 20 m. coupled with a diameter of nearly 18 cm. Its growth was measured by Japans "Bamboo Doctor", the late Professor Ueda Koichiro, at 120 cm a day. Shall I say that again? This rate of growth is unmatched among woody plants.
Moso is characterised by Its numerous and small leaves. When Moso is a seedling, its leaves are amongst the biggest of all bamboo, but as a mature plant the leaves are quite tiny.
The new culms are blue-green in colour and covered with soft down.
Photos by by Jiro Asano, domosan ookini
Requirements
Moso flourishes in moist, well drained and fertilised soil. Its height will be considerably reduced under warm climate conditions or if it lacks nutritional elements.
Temperate conditions (minimum temperature 0 F, -18 C), assist this species in achieving its maximum growth potential
Dew balance on the first shoots of Spring
Here to drink shining wet,
Bursting with special bamboo powers
Hey ho, Hey ho
Interest
Moso is the largest of all running bamboo yet has tiny leaves, millions of them populating giant plumes that nod in the slightest breeze. Around Anji county in the Zhejiang province - China - hillsides are covered with velvet, green Moso that are harvested to supply thousands of small and not so small factories producing a huge range of useful products.
In Japan, Moso is considered by many as best eating bamboo.
Small Moso is very slow to get going.
Really slow. Starting off with a bigger plant will get you there much faster.
Moso stock, minimum height 6 metres. Reguar deliveries can accomodate 11 metre plants.