Bambusa odashimae

Bambusa odashimae, or Odashimae bamboo, belongs to the grass family, Poaceae. It is native to Taiwan and grows in lowland hills. Kew places it in the subtropical climate group. It grows in the wild and also in cultivation. Farmers in northern Taiwan grow it for its young shoots. Its main recorded use is food rather than medicine or materials.

This evergreen bamboo forms clumps of woody stems, called culms. Garden references give a height of about 49 feet [15 metres]. One account gives a broader range of 33–66 feet [10–20 metres]. Its spread can reach about 33 feet [10 metres]. The culms have thick walls and retain branches and leaves. Stem widths range from 0.13–0.39 feet [0.04–0.12 metres]. The internodes measure about 0.49–1.64 feet [0.15–0.50 metres] long. These are the stem sections between the nodes.

PFAF lists this species as fast growing. It accepts full sun or partial shade in cultivation. It needs moist soil that lets excess water drain away. Sandy, loamy, and clay soils can all suit it. Its stated pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. PFAF gives USDA zones 9–12 as its hardiness range. It can withstand strong winds, but not coastal exposure. Its large size calls for space when choosing a planting site.

The young shoots are the edible part. Harvest them as they push up through the soil, then cook them. Shoots can reach about 0.43 feet [0.13 metres] across. PFAF values their crisp flesh and compares it with Asian pear. Both plant-use sources report no known hazards. Neither gives specific evidence about pet safety or raw-shoot safety. They list no known medicinal uses or other material uses. PFAF records no weed potential for this species. The supplied accounts name no specific pests or diseases.

The flowers rely on wind for pollination. No seasonal flowering dates are given for this species. Seed is scarce because flowering occurs only after long gaps. Sow fresh seed on the surface of moist compost near 20°C. Germination may take three to six months. Keep seedlings in light shade while they grow. Division offers another way to raise plants when new growth starts. Keep at least three canes in each division. Limit root damage and grow divisions in pots before planting out. A strong root system may take a year or more.