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Tortoise Shell Bamboo 'Heterocycla' (Phyllostachys edulis): Unique Zigzag Culms

Overview

'Heterocycla' (Tortoise Shell Bamboo) is a remarkable cultivar of Moso Bamboo. Its culms have a distinctive, compressed, zigzagging (tortoise-shell) pattern on the lower internodes, caused by shortened, swollen nodes. It is a giant running timber bamboo, reaching 40-60 feet tall with 3-5 inch diameter culms.

Taxonomy & Nomenclature

Family:	Poaceae (poh-AY-see-ee)
Genus:	Phyllostachys (fy-lo-STAK-iss)
Species:	edulis (ED-yew-liss)
Cultivar:	Heterocycla

Synonyms: Phyllostachys edulis var. heterocycla, Phyllostachys heterocycla.

Cultivation & Uses

USDA zones 7-10; full sun; rich, moist, well-drained soil. **Running bamboo** – requires substantial rhizome barrier. A collector's bamboo for its unique culm morphology. The wood is high quality for timber and crafts. Edible shoots. Give it ample space.

Grasses and Bamboo: Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra); Canebrake Bamboo (Arundinaria gigantea); Hardy Bamboo (Fargesia rufa); Bamboo (Dendrocalamus sinicus): The World's Largest Bamboo Species; Robust Fargesia (Fargesia robusta): A Tall, Clumping Bamboo for Screening; Dwarf Bamboo (Dendrocalamus minor): A Small, Clumping Tropical Bamboo; Incense Bamboo (Phyllostachys atrovaginata): A Running Bamboo with Fragrant Culms; Bamboo (Gigantochloa pseudoarundinacea); Bamboo (Fargesia denudata); Bamboo (Bambusa arnhemica)

Garden Articles

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Bamboo 'Kimmei' (Semiarundinaria yashadake): Variegated Running Bamboo with Sulcate Culms

Marbled Bamboo (Chimonobambusa marmorea): Rare Running Bamboo with Marbled Culms

Common Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris): The Classic Tropical Clumping Bamboo

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Bamboo 'Kimmei' (Semiarundinaria yashadake): Variegated Running Bamboo with Yellow Sulcus

Marbled Bamboo (Chimonobambusa marmorea): Rare Running Bamboo with Marbled Culms

Common Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris): Giant Tropical Clumping Bamboo

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