This woody, rhizomatous perennial grass rapidly forms a dense monoculture, suffocating other native plants and altering the entire ecosystem. As well as having detrimental effects on the environment this bamboo may also damage property and poses a potential threat to human health as it harbours a fungus responsible for the disease Histoplasmosis.
Why is my golden bamboo dying?
Root rot is one of the biggest issues for golden bamboo—it can start either at the root of the plant or within the cane, eventually killing the plant. Sooty mold is yet another problem for bamboo, a fungal issue caused by the presence of mealybugs, aphids, and scale on the plant.
How do bamboo species traits impact soil ecosystems?
Bamboo species traits are clearly implicated as major factors impacting soil ecosystems via their ability to alter physical environments and the dynamics of C, nutrient, and food webs; such traits include plant morphology, stand density, net primary production, litter quality, and root exudation ( Ehrenfeld, 2010; Kubartová et al., 2007 ).
Is golden bamboo an invasive plant?
Gardeners in more mild climates can plant golden bamboo any time of year. Young canes are green, but turn golden-green as they mature. The plant's invasive properties become a concern when it's grown in hot and humid environments with mild winters.
Can golden bamboo live in cold weather?
However, if an especially severe cold snap is predicted, you can help your bamboo survive by covering the soil around it with a thick layer of mulch to help hold in warmth. Though it's a fairly hardy plant, golden bamboo does have a few issues it must contend with.
What does golden bamboo do to the environment?
Golden bamboo will invade both natural and human-dominated areas. The thick, tall monocultures it outcompetes native vegetation for space and light Leaf litter from golden bamboo found along streams impacts litter-feeding invertebrates, leading to altered ecosystems and stream food webs.
Why is golden bamboo an invasive species?
How does it spread? As with other species of bamboo, Golden bamboo plants rarely flower or produce seeds; it may be anywhere from 5 to 30 years between events for a stand of Golden bamboo. Instead, Golden bamboo spreads through underground rhizomes which grow quickly, spreading out horizontally from the parent plant.
What is golden bamboo used for?
Golden bamboo was introduced in Alabama in 1882. In China, these plants grow in deciduous and coniferous forests. It is used for paper pulp, handicrafts and as a food source in many countries throughout Asia. The name Phyllostachys comes from phyllon, meaning leaf, and stachys, meaning spike.
How is bamboo an invasive species?
Many gardeners consider bamboo to be invasive because of its vigorous rhizome root system. These rhizomes allow many varieties of bamboo to expand quickly. But bamboo only expands in a local setting.
Are golden bamboo roots invasive?
However, according to Environet UK, bamboo can also be highly invasive and can spread out of control if allowed. There are several varieties that can be categorised into the 'clumping' and 'running' types, all of which have large underground root and rhizome systems.
Are golden bamboo shoots edible?
Golden Bamboo is usually grown for its edible shoots. Only the soft inner portion of the shoots is edible. This fresh part is used in manufacturing canned bamboo sprouts. It is one of the most common edible bamboo species in the Southern part of the United States.
Is Golden Bamboo toxic to cats?
For true Bambusoideae species of bamboo, it is non toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Fun fact: Foliage of bamboo can contain up to 22% protein, so it's even good for them!
Will Golden Bamboo spread?
This bamboo is fast growing and will quickly spread via underground rhizomes. Despite containment efforts, the rhizomes of Golden bamboo will often find their way out of confinement to infest nearby areas. Golden bamboo will grow in sparsely wooded secondary forests and does best in full sun.
Is golden bamboo drought tolerant?
Phyllostachys aurea: Golden Bamboo, as it's often called, is one of the most widespread species of all. One reason for that is its resiliency. This species can survive almost anything, including a drought. It also has attractive, upright culms and dense but delicate foliage.
Can bamboo damage property?
Due to the extraordinary distance the roots can travel, in excess of 30ft, running bamboo has the potential to be even more damaging to property than Japanese knotweed and has similar abilities to push through brickwork, drains, cavity walls, patios and exploit cracks or weaknesses in concrete, according to Environet ...
How fast does golden bamboo spread?
Generally, the Golden Bamboo adds between 2 and 3 feet of new growth a year, though some gardeners have had as little as 1-inch annual growth and as much as 5 feet! The mature Golden Bamboo can reach as much as 30 feet in height, and some gardeners have reported heights of 40 feet.
Does bamboo take over the garden?
Bamboos are usually desirable garden plants but, if left to grow unchecked, they can become invasive and spread beyond their bounds.
How fast does golden bamboo spread?
Generally, the Golden Bamboo adds between 2 and 3 feet of new growth a year, though some gardeners have had as little as 1-inch annual growth and as much as 5 feet! The mature Golden Bamboo can reach as much as 30 feet in height, and some gardeners have reported heights of 40 feet.
Which bamboos are non invasive?
Clumping bamboos are non-invasive and usually easier to control. They won't spread out as widely as running varieties, which is preferred by many people.
What type of bamboo is golden bamboo?
Phyllostachys aureaGolden bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) is a perennial "running bamboo" that is also sometimes referred to as fish-pole bamboo. Fast-growing, and able to reach over 20 feet in height, it's a popular choice for providing dramatic ornamental interest or for creating a living privacy screen or noise barrier.
How much do they spend fighting golden bamboo?
In the U.S. today, golden bamboo is a problem mainly in the Southeast, from Maryland to Arkansas, although it's also causing problems in Oregon and other Western states. The cost to U.S. taxpayers to fight its spread is an astonishing $138 billion per year [source: Brown].
What causes golden bamboo to die?from thespruce.com
Sooty mold is yet another problem for bamboo, a fungal issue caused by the presence of mealybugs, aphids, and scale on the plant.
How to grow golden bamboo?from bhg.com
Golden bamboo grows best in full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Dig a hole as deep as the plant's container and twice as wide as the root ball. Place the plant in the hole, then backfill with soil mixed with mulch. Water deeply. Subsequent waterings should keep the soil moist but not soggy. Space golden bamboo plants at least 4 feet apart to accommodate future growth.
Why do people plant running bamboo?from bambubatu.com
Though it may sound like madness to anyone who has ever been sued by their neighbor or had to pay a few thousand dollars to remove a running bamboo grove, there are actually a few reasons people might choose to plant a running variety.
Why is bamboo considered an invasive species?from lewisbamboo.com
Bamboo is only expansive on a small localized scale because viable spreading only occurs from the root system.
How to keep golden bamboo from creeping?from bhg.com
Or plant each one in a large plastic pot sunk into the soil so the rim of the pot extends 3 to 5 inches above the ground. This will help prevent golden bamboo from creeping into the surrounding soil.
How to protect bamboo from disease?from thespruce.com
Your best defense against disease is to maintain a proper distance between your bamboo plants for air circulation, and water the plants at the base instead of into the middle of the dense foliage.
How many years does bamboo flower?from lewisbamboo.com
Bamboo has abundant but extremely irregular flowering, typically on 75+ year cycles for temperate bamboos.
Why is it important to remove bamboo before it escapes?
Rapid response is very important with P. aurea. The earlier a stand of bamboo is eradicated the easier it will be due to the size of the bamboo and spread of the rhizomes underground. Removing the bamboo before it escapes to surrounding properties is also advantageous. An established older stand will require a great deal more effort ( Rickel, 2012; USDA-APHIS, 2012 ).
Why are there laws and regulations on bamboo?
Many laws and regulations have been passed to protect property and stop the continual nuisance. This list is growing as people are becoming more aware of the invasiveness of running bamboo ( Rickel, 2014 ).
How does Phyllostachys aurea spread?
Phyllostachys aurea can spread by seeds, and vegetatively via rhizomes and rhizome fragments. Cases of spread by water have been documented in Connecticut ( Bugwood Presentations, 2014) and there is the potential for rhizome fragments to be washed downstream along riparian corridors ( USDA-APHIS, 2012 ). Although spreading by seed is unlikely as flowers and seeds are rarely produced it cannot be ruled out completely ( USDA-APHIS, 2012 ).
How many species of bamboo are there in the world?
The family Poaceae comprises about 707 genera and 11,337 species distributed worldwide ( Stevens, 2017 ). The subfamily Bambusoideae includes 116 genera and 1441 species of both woody and herbaceous bamboos occurring in tropical to temperate regions of Asia, often in forests ( Ohrnberger, 1999; Stevens, 2017 ). There are about 76 species within the genus Phyllostachys ( Ohrnberger, 1999 ). The name “ Phyllostachys ” means "leaf spike" and refers to the inflorescences while the specific epithet “ aurea ” refers to the golden color of old culms and was used by Carrière and later by A.& C. Rivière to name this species ( Ohrnberger, 1999 ).
What is the name of the grass that grows in a bamboo forest?
P. aurea is a woody, rhizomatous perennial grass, which grows to form a dense bamboo forest. The main stem is called a culm. The culm is made up of jointed segments. The rings are called nodes. The sections between the nodes or rings are called internodes.
Is bamboo invasive in Australia?
P.aurea is a highly invasive running bamboo native to Southeast China that is now widespread globally and especially problematic in Australia and North America. This woody, rhizomatous perennial grass rapidly forms a dense monoculture, suffocating other native plants and altering the entire ecosystem. As well as having detrimental effects on the environment this bamboo may also damage property and poses a potential threat to human health as it harbours a fungus responsible for the disease Histoplasmosis. Invasive bamboos are among the fastest growing plants on Earth and one infestation of P. aurea can spread as far as 9.3 miles. The spread is rapid in all directions, increasing each successive year.
What are the ecological functions of moso bamboo?
Many positive ecological functions are reported for moso bamboo, including soil erosion control, water conservation, land rehabilitation, and carbon sequestration ( Zhou et al. 2005, 2011 ). However, there are potential ecological risks associated with bamboo invasion of native forests and formation of large-scale, monoculture bamboo communities, and this has been attracted scientific concern ( Griscom and Ashton, 2003; Xu et al., 2015 ). The first risk of bamboo invasion is the loss of species diversity and destruction of the native forest ecosystems. Additionally, most regions with bamboo plantations are naturally rich in species diversity which may decline with invasion. A second risk is serious diseases or insect attacks due to reduced biodiversity, which have occurred frequently ( Zhou, 2006 ). For example, several native species of insects including Pantanal phyllostachys, Ceracris spp. and Rivula biatomea (Moore) were detected in a 135 ha area in Anji Zhejiang, China, where moso bamboo accounts for a higher proportion of forests, and roughly 25 ha of moso bamboo were damaged by R. biatomea (Moore) ( http://www.anji.gov.cn/default.php?mod=article& do = detail&tid = 65119). These insects were also detected in the Anhui, Fujian and Sichuan Provinces ( Huang, 2009; Li et al., 2016; Zhang et al., 2011 ). A variety of bamboo diseases have been reported, totaling 208 pathogens, including 183 species of fungi, 3 bacteria, 1 virus, 3 nematodes and 18 mites ( Xu et al., 2007 ). The fungal pathogens Ceratosphaeria phyllostachydis Zhang and Coccostroma arundinariae were more frequently observed in moso bamboo forests of China during 2005–2006 than in the preceding decade ( Zhou, 2006 ). A third ecological risk is forest degradation. In contrast to other types of forests, a bamboo forest or plantation will degrade if abandoned without any cultivation. Running bamboos produce new bamboo by rhizomes, and old bamboos have a lower ability to supply new bamboo with nutrients and energy. Therefore, if bamboo is not renewed by harvesting the old bamboo, there will eventually be fewer young bamboos produced and the bamboo forest will degrade. The entire bamboo forest in the Lushan National Nature Reserve was seriously degraded due to lack of care (observed by authors, unpublished). The thick litter layer from abandoned bamboo makes it difficult to naturally establish a new forest, with underground rhizomes occupying soil space and numerous dead bamboo stems shading the light and inhibiting growth of other tree species.
What factors affect bamboo invasion?
Several other biotic or abiotic environmental factors may affect the speed of running bamboo invasion. In China, Ying et al. (2016) observed that an evergreen broadleaf forest was more vulnerable to moso bamboo ( P. pubescens) invasion than deciduous broadleaf and coniferous forests. They found that moso bamboo had certain edaphic preferences and thrived in warm, moist, and sunny areas, with over 70% of the biomass and expansion occurring on slopes of 15°–30° with southerly, southeasterly, and easterly aspects. Based on remote-sensing cover maps, moso bamboo also commonly colonizes riverbank areas ( Ying et al., 2016 ). Suzuki (2015) modeled changes in running bamboo ( P. pubescens) groves in Japan using a multiple logistic regression analysis based on a stepwise procedure in order to clarify the contributing factors; the primary explanatory variables in order of importance were extant vegetation and land use, spatial factors, and topographic factors. Winkler et al. (2016) found that soil drying rates were a key driver of dwarf bamboo ( S. kurilensis) invasion above and below tree line, with growth rates decreasing in faster-drying soils. Dwarf bamboo responds to competition and climate stress by increasing allocation to belowground structures ( Winkler et al., 2016 ). It appears this species’ success is driven by considerable morphological and physiological flexibility toward soil moisture conditions associated with snowmelt in various habitats. Lima et al. (2012) found that the bamboo Guadua tagoara prefers clay-rich soils, while its propensity to cause greater physical (wind and bamboo-induced damages) and physiological (heat and light) stress promotes invasiveness.
How does bamboo affect birds?
Reports on the effects of bamboo invasion on animals are limited. Moso bamboo ( P. pubescens) spread in the Tianmushan Nature Reserve resulted in diminished bird diversity, which was only one-seventh of that found in evergreen broadleaved forests ( Yang et al., 2008 ). However, Rother et al. (2013) found that bamboo patches formed by native bamboo G. tagoara invasion onto pristine forests led to greater species richness in all categories of birds based on diet and forest canopy position in the state of São Paulo in southeastern Brazil. Of the 81 total species of birds in this area, 74 species occurred in bamboo and 55 in non-bamboo sites ( Rother et al., 2013 ). These conflicting findings may be the result of differing invasion stage and patch size of the bamboos. In southeastern Brazil, G. tagoara was present as discrete patches within pristine forests rather than as continuous large areas. The authors suggested that forest structure was altered but not greatly disrupted by bamboos invasion; rather, it served to increase the structural heterogeneity of the forest, thus promoting avian diversity ( Rother et al., 2013 ), They concluded that, at the level of occurrence of bamboos observed, G. tagoara was not detrimental to the avian community. It could be predicted that progression of bamboo expansion and eventual fusion of bamboo patches may lead to reduced avian diversity as a result of decreased variety of foods and habitats.
What is bamboo used for?
Bamboo is known as the plant of a thousand uses and plays an important socio-economic role, being intimately associated with humankind since ancient times ( Gupta and Kumar 2008 ). Bamboo occurs in many every-day products used by roughly 2 billion people ( Dou et al., 2011) and contributes to the livelihood of rural communities, particularly the rural poor ( Frith, 2008; Kumar 2009; Ram and Tandon, 1997; Sharma et al., 2018 ). Bamboos, taxonomically grasses ( Gramineae, Bambusoideae ), are often called ‘‘tree grasses’’ because of their large branches and woody stems. They represent 107 genera and about 1400 species worldwide, including 79 genera representing 1200 species of woody bamboo, and 28 genera representing 180 species of herbaceous bamboo ( Kleinhenz and Midmore, 2001; Xin, 2011 ). The versatility of bamboo has led to extensive planting worldwide. Approximately 36.8 million hectares of bamboo forest are distributed in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions ( Lobovikov et al., 2007 ). Woody bamboos are classified into two major groups, running (or leptomorph/monopodial) bamboos mostly in the subtropical and temperate regions, and clumping (or sympodial) bamboos in the tropical and subtropical regions. The running bamboos, found mostly in China and Japan, are characterized by their expanding underground rhizomes ( Gratani et al., 2008) and long flowering cycles (after which the plant dies), often on the order of 60 to as many as 120 years ( Janzen, 1976 ). The clumping bamboos of the tropical and subtropical zones in Central and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia, have non-expanding rhizomes with flowering cycles ranging from 7 to 60 years. Therefore, rhizomatous bamboos have a greater propensity to spread than clumping species, e.g., Phyllostachys spp. are famous for their aggressive habits ( Lima et al., 2012 ). Recent literature describes this habit with various terms, such as expansion ( Nishikawa et al., 2005; Suzuki and Nakagoshi, 2011 ), naturalization ( O'Connor et al., 2000; Smith and Mack, 2013) and invasion ( Akutsu et al., 2012; Okutomi et al., 1996; Xu et al., 2015 ). We will use invasion in section headers and adopt the term used by the original authors in the text of this review. Like other invading plant species, bamboo can induce negative impacts on biodiversity and ecological functions. This review focuses on the impact of running bamboos, including introduced and native species, on natural plant and animal communities as well as on soil processes.
How do bamboos spread?
In contrast to invasive taxa that spread by seeds subject to dispersal by several means, running bamboos spread by rhizomes; therefore, the invasion area may be limited by physical barriers, both biotic and abiotic, including natural and anthropogenic factors. These forces can restrict the speed and range of a bamboo invasion ( Isagi and Torii, 1997 ). Therefore, it is essential to take a variety of strategies early on to control bamboo invasions.
How much bamboo is there in China?
The land area occupied by bamboo has increased significantly over last two decades. For example, bamboo plantations in China reached 6.01 million ha ( Fig. 1) at the completion of the 8th National Forest Inventory (NFI) in 2013; especially notable was moso bamboo (4.43 million ha). Based on NFI databases collected at 5-year intervals, the area of bamboo increased by 4.2% from year 1979–1983, and by 14.5% from year 2004 and 2013, indicating the spread of bamboo has accelerated. Unmanaged bamboo stands commonly expand into adjacent natural forests in southeastern China ( Peng et al., 2013 ), e.g., in the Jinggangshan National Nature Reserve ( Zhu and Shangguan, 2009 ), and the National Nature Reserve of Nanyue Hengshan ( Deng and Yang, 2013 ). It was observed that bamboo spread more than 25 m from its original position over 25 years (from 1956 to 2004) in the Tianmu Mountain Nature Reserve of China, thereby increasing the associated area of moso bamboo by 58.7% from 55.1 to 87.5 ha ( Ding et al., 2006; Bai et al., 2013; Bai et al., 2016a, b ). The same study found that moso bamboo invasion of both broad-leaved and coniferous forests also occurred in the Taiwan Province of China ( Chang and Chiu, 2015; Lin et al., 2014 ).
Where is the Moso bamboo forest?
Moso bamboo forests expanded at an annual rate of about 2% in Hirasawa and Kofuki, Japan. During the last 32 years, one dwarf bamboo ( Sasa kurilensis) invaded the alpine snow-meadows in the wilderness area of the Taisetsu Mountains in northern Japan, expanding its area by up to 47% ( Kudo et al., 2011 ).
What are riparian areas?
Riparian areas are the interfaces between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems that cover sharp gradients of environmental factors, ecological processes, and plant communities. According to Gregory et al. ( 1991 ), these zones are not easily defined, but they are constituted of land mosaics, communities, and environments inside a bigger landscape. Corenblit et al. ( 2007) affirm that these zones, when healthy, offer important ecosystem services, including improved forage, habitats for various animals, and reduced flooding impacts. The riparian ecosystems show a variety of physiological properties that let them resist and recover from disturbances, in addition to providing stability to the soil and the flood plain.
How many species of bamboo are there?
Bamboo belongs to the subfamily Bambusoideae with approximately 115 genera and 1450 species (Wysocki et al. 2015 ). Bamboo differs from the other grass species because of its evergreen habit, well-developed rhizomes, presence of culm, pseudo-petiolar leaves, distinctive foliar anatomy, non-seasonal flowering, and variation in the number of chromosomes (Clark 1990 ). Some bamboos reproduce sexually and others asexually by underground stems with wide clumps, which are often resistant to fire impacts (Mews et al. 2013 ). According to Liu et al. ( 2017) many bamboos flower only once before they die.
What is an invasive species?
According to the National Invasive Species Council ( 2001 ), a species that is nonnative to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes, or is likely to cause, economic or environmental harm or harm to human health is defined as an invasive species. Shackleton et al. ( 2019) affirm that, based on the findings, there are a number of considerations that should be made in the future relating to policy, governance and management of invasive species to ensure sustainable livelihood strategies and outcomes, improve adaptive capacity and to ensure that communities are not made more vulnerable by invasive alien species. According to Perkins et al. ( 2011 ), the risk of invasion increases as the resistance to invasion provided by the biotic characteristics present at a site decreases. Many countries have highlighted the urgent need for more rigorous and comprehensive risk analysis frameworks for non-indigenous species (McNeely et al. 2001 ).
Is bamboo a reforestation?
This is seen to occur even in some forests where bamboo is a native species (Wong 1991 ). Bamboo is grown in an area not only for reforestation, but also to control erosion, and as a raw material for civil constructions. Owing to this diversity of its usage, in many regions around the world, bamboo production is encouraged. In Brazil, a National law, Law n. 12.484 (Brasil 2011 ), promoting the sustainable management and cultivation of bamboo has been set up, and the planting of exotic forest bamboo has been encouraged without taking into consideration the impacts on the native vegetation in the areas where they are being introduced. Bamboos have competitive characteristics and can become invasive even in regions where they are part of the native vegetation. Studies to mitigate or control this process have been undertaken. For example, Felker et al. ( 2017) observed that secondary species demonstrate more potential for adaptation in environments dominated by arboreous bamboo, and suggest that they can act as key-species for future actions of management and recovery.
Is bamboo a renewable resource?
Bamboo has been receiving increased attention as a renewable resource owing to its fast growth, economic value, widespread availability, and physical properties. However, environmental impacts of such intensive bamboo cultivation need to be assessed in order to avoid any negative consequences that could result from this plant’s invasive potential. In this study, we sought to evaluate the possible implications of bamboo growth in diverse ecosystems, as well as its relations with riparian zones and local hydrology. We reviewed studies that have focused on cultivation of bamboo in various areas where they are not always native. Furthermore, we have provided an objective compilation of studies that report possible effects and impacts that bamboo may have in local landscapes where it has been introduced or established. We conclude that, regardless of bamboo being native or exotic in a region, it can become invasive in some ecosystems, even when a bamboo species does not show spreading characteristics. Introduction of bamboo in a new area needs preliminary studies to avoid the species that may become invasive and to minimize the risk of suppression of different stages of ecological succession in local vegetation and of the changes in the forest structure and diversity.
Where did golden bamboo come from?
Golden bamboo was brought to Alabama from China in 1882 to create visual and sound barriers for privacy. An aggressive, fast-growing plant that can reach heights of 30 to 40 feet (9 to 12 meters), it quickly overtook everything in its path, destroying native plants and the habitats they provide for wildlife, and offering nothing in return. In the U.S. today, golden bamboo is a problem mainly in the Southeast, from Maryland to Arkansas, although it's also causing problems in Oregon and other Western states. The cost to U.S. taxpayers to fight its spread is an astonishing $138 billion per year [source: Brown ].
How did rabbits affect Australia?
Today, rabbits have contributed to the extinction of nearly an eighth of Australia's mammal species, ruined the country's soil and caused millions of dollars annually in agricultural damage [source: Environmental Graffiti ]. Advertisement.
How are invasive species damaging the world?
Today, such invasive species are found around the globe, and their presence outside of their native areas is damaging the world's ecosystems and threatening biodiversity, costing people billions of dollars in reparations, eradication efforts and preventive measures [source: EarthTrends ]. Although many governments have wised up and enacted tight controls on travelers, imported goods, plant nurseries and more, plenty of non-native species continue to be tracked around the globe unintentionally, by hiding in people's shoes and luggage or hitchhiking on boat hulls, for example. Some -- like the five on this list -- seem almost unstoppable.
How does invasive species harm the ecosystem?
Today, such invasive species are found around the globe, and their presence outside of their native areas is damaging the world's ecosystems and threatening biodiversity, costing people billions of dollars in reparations, eradication efforts and preventive measures [source: EarthTrends ].
What are bunnies ruining?
Ah, bunnies. They're so adorable, aren't they? Unless you're a homeowner or farmer, that is. Those cute, fuzzy little critters are ruining land all over the world, causing soil erosion through their overgrazing and burrowing. They also nibble on people's landscaping and flowers, and negatively impact native species by damaging fragile ecosystems.
How many rabbits died from myxomatosis?
A biological control agent, this virus causes Myxomatosis, a disease fatal in nearly every rabbit that contracts it. Five hundred million rabbits died, but the 100 million that remained developed a resistance to the disease [source: WebEcoist ]. And now, the bunnies' numbers are again on the rise [source: Zukerman ].
Why are Asian carp so rare?
One bright spot: Asian carp are a delicacy in China, where they're increasingly rare, due to overfishing. Some Midwestern fishermen are now catching these fish and selling them back to China [source: WebEcoist ].
What color do bamboo canes turn?
As your canes mature, you'll notice them turning from green to golden yellow. This change in color can become more pronounced, depending on the amount of sunlight the bamboo receives—it's even possible for them to turn into an orangey-pink shade.
How to protect bamboo from disease?
Your best defense against disease is to maintain a proper distance between your bamboo plants for air circulation, and water the plants at the base instead of into the middle of the dense foliage.
What is golden bamboo?
Common Pests & Diseases. Back to Top. Golden bamboo ( Phyllostachys aurea) is a perennial " running bamboo " that is also sometimes referred to as fish-pole bamboo.
How to propagate golden bamboo?
Because golden bamboo rarely flowers and doesn't generally produce seeds, propagation should be done by division or with basal cane cuttings. Any propagation is best done when new growth appears in the spring, and success is typically found when the stems are nurtured in pots over the winter, rather than in the ground.
What causes golden bamboo to die?
Sooty mold is yet another problem for bamboo, a fungal issue caused by the presence of mealybugs, aphids, and scale on the plant.
Where does golden bamboo come from?
Native to China, the woody and hollow stems of golden bamboo feature lush, lance-shaped green foliage, while the lower cane has a striking yellow-green tortoiseshell pattern and distinct compressed internodes (the stem section between two joints). As with most bamboo species, golden bamboo rarely flowers, and seed production is exceptionally ...
Where does Gemma Johnstone live?
Gemma Johnstone is a freelance writer with 15 years of experience working in the pet industry. She writes about gardening and lives in Italy. Golden bamboo ( Phyllostachys aurea) is a perennial " running bamboo " that is also sometimes referred to as fish-pole bamboo.
Why are golden bamboo lemurs endangered?
The Golden bamboo lemur is under threat by the ongoing loss of forest habitat as a result of the timber extraction and slash-and-burn agriculture. Even protected forests in Ranomafana National Park are under threat from illegal logging and other exploitation. These lemurs may be at risk also from the pet trade and from being hunted for food.
Where is the Golden Bamboo Lemur found?
Distribution. The Golden bamboo lemur occurs in southeast Madagascar, in Andringitra Nature Reserve and Ranomafana National Park, in the tropical, moist, rainforests of giant bamboo.
Why is the Golden Bamboo Lemur called the Golden Bamboo Lemur?
Fun Facts for Kids. The Golden bamboo lemur has this name because of its golden fur, around its face, the insides of its limbs and its belly. Golden bamboo lemurs were discovered for the first time in south eastern Madagascar’s Ranomafana National Park in 1985 and were first described in 1987. Bamboo lemurs have a specialized bamboo diet ...
How much bamboo does a golden lemur eat?
Each Golden bamboo lemur adult eats around 500 g (18 oz) of bamboo each day, which contains cyanide of about 12 times more than a lethal dose for most animals of this size. The Golden bamboo lemur has evolved with a resistance to the extreme levels of cyanide in the leaves of the young bamboo that it eats.
What is the color of the golden bamboo lemur?
Golden bamboo lemurs are amongst most endangered mammals in the world. They have pale orange fur on their backs with brown to gray guard hairs and yellowish undersides. Their face is black, with a short muzzle, and golden cheeks, throat, and eyebrows and short hairy ears. The males and females are usually similar in appearance, ...
How many individuals does a golden bamboo lemur have?
Habits and Lifestyle. Golden bamboo lemurs live in groups which often do not exceed four individuals. Typically the group has one adult male and female, along with younger adults or juveniles, being a family of a monogamous pair with their offspring.
How many m do golden bamboo lemurs travel?
Groups occupy territories as large as 80 ha, but generally travel less than 400 m each day. These lemurs are crepuscular or diurnal, with a defined midday rest period. Most of their waking hours are spent foraging. Golden bamboo lemurs are very vocal, and have at least two different calls.
