THE BAMBOO FAMILY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20650, 23 August 1930, Page 5 (Supplement)

THE BAMBOO FAMILY.

USEFUL AND ORNAMENTAL, Several species of bamboos, in addition to their value for ornamental and landscape adornment, are specially j adapted for utilitarian purposes, such as ornamental and shelter hedges and breakr winds, as well aB for the production of garden stakes of all sizes for the making of hanging and other baskets, and use in the manufacture of several articles of furniture, blinds, etc. The giant growing species are for timber purposes, fencing rails included. Ladders from bamboo are in general use. Quite a number of the species and varioties, notably those from Japan and China, thrive admirably in the local climate. The best season for planting ia from now until the end of September and later. Those planted during the winter remain dormant in the ground and are likely to perish. A good deal of confusion exists as to the correct nomenclature of some of the kinds of bamboo as cultivated here. The following have beon established and known to thrive well.—Bambusa vulgaris. One of the hardiest of the giant bamboos, attains a height of 40ft. and upward. It is very useful for many purposes. It forms an impenetrable breakwind for the orchard and supplies the farm with useful rails and the hop-grower with v suitable poles. It is most ornamental in clumps in the shrubbery, being of rapid, upright growth. Bambusa Aurea. —This handsome species forms elegant tufts and is the best for garden hedges, as it does hot sucker, and provides a close, impenetrable hedge. Arundinaria Metake, or- Cambusa Japonica.—One of the hardiest and most useful in supplying garden stakes in all sizes. It makes an impenetrable shelter against the strongest gales. It suckers and must be planted accordingly in some out-of-the-way corner of the garden. Phyllostachys Nigra, or Black Bamboo. —An exceedingly ornamontal, tall growing, msoful for long stakes, bean poles, canes, etc. Bambusa Gracilis.—A most graceful variety and one of the best for ornamontal gardon clumps and for establishing in tubs. Phyllostachys Quilior. —Very ornamental, tall, and of easy growth, forming large clumps. There are many other varieties that may be successfully grown. Bamboo shoots are an 'important article of diet in China, and Japan. For this purpose the young shoots of some kinds are used. They are cut when about Ift. above the ground, cut into Blicos and cooked and served with sauco. Bamboos and poultry make a happy combination, and their use in this connection can bo strongly recommended, either as a protective hedge against the southerly winds, or planted here and j there in the fowl yard for shado purposes.