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Thamnocalamus tessellatus - (Nees.)Söderstrom.&R.P.Ellis.

Common Name Bergbamboes
Family Poaceae or Gramineae
USDA hardiness Coming soon
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Stream lines, damp rocky slopes and forest margins, 1500 - 2500 metres.
Range S. Africa.
Edibility Rating    (0 of 5)
Other Uses    (2 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (0 of 5)
Care (info)
Frost Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Thamnocalamus tessellatus Bergbamboes


Thamnocalamus tessellatus Bergbamboes

 

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Summary

UPDATE: This plant Thamnocalamus tessellatus was originally named Thamnocalamus tessalatus in this database


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Thamnocalamus tessellatus is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 3.5 m (11ft 6in).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Arundinaria tessalata. Thamnocalamus tessalatus

Plant Habitats

Edible Uses

None known

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.


None known

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Valuable for screen planting in wet areas[200]. The canes can be used as plant supports[25]. They were used by the Zulus for reinforcing their shields and for making arrows and spear shafts.

Special Uses

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a good loamy soil but succeeds in most soils, so long as they remain moist in the summer, in sun or a shady position[200]. Dislikes drought[1]. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[200]. Plants can reach 6 metres in a moist soil in the warmer parts of the country, but are smaller in dry soils. The canes are about 15mm in diameter[K]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die[122]. The rootstock is running[25], producing new shoots from late May[25]. It can be invasive in the warmer parts of Britain but is usually fairly well behaved[200].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Fahrenheit:

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Plant Propagation

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Division in spring as new growth commences. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more[200]. Basal cane cuttings. Rhizome cuttings.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

AFRICA: Lesotho, South Africa (Cape Province, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State), Mauritius.

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Thamnocalamus aristatus Bamboo6.0 5-9  LMHSNM203
Thamnocalamus spathaceusUmbrella BambooBamboo4.0 5-9  LMHFSNM002
Thamnocalamus spathiflorus Bamboo6.0 5-9  LMHSNM203

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(Nees.)Söderstrom.&R.P.Ellis.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

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Subject : Thamnocalamus tessellatus  
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