Unknown Phyllostachys?

[extremegardener]

I have two plants I received in a trade that were unidentified, but are presumably some sort of Phyllostachys. They look similar to my P. Bambusoides, but have three-leaf clusters instead of four. Other characteristics include purple culm sheaths and two branches from each node (opposing). The new culms are a dark green with a bit of white waxy powder near the nodes when the sheaths first open. Last year's culms are yellow/gold with no stripes, mottling or other distinguishing features. New shoots are growing extremely fast and tall.



Any ideas on what this might or might not be? As I said, I don't think it's Bambusoides, and it's definitely not Aurea since I have a bunch of that. My plants aren't old enough to know final height but I'm guessing with the growth rate that these could get quite large.

Thanks,

Scott

[David]

Ph. heteroclada f. purpurata.

[Thuja]

Hi Scott, yep, I remember you from GardenWeb. I sent those plants in Dec of '04. I'm pretty much sure it's Bisset but there's always the off chance it's another green Phyllostachys. David's suggestion, P. h. f. purpurata, is a possibility but the plant in question never exhibits crooks, so I don't know. Also its sheaths never have shown auricles. Anyway, I bought the original plant as Yellow Grove, and at least I can surely say they are not that. It isn't shooting here yet but I expect it tomorrow so I'll take a few pix if I get some nice shoots.

[extremegardener]

Thanks Mike for the info. I have P. Heteroclada growing from seed but plants are probably too young to compare. Will be interested to see your pictures...

Scott

[Thuja]

Scott, This is the same plant that you have (probably Bisset), beginning to shoot.
<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v310/ ... ooting.jpg" border="0" alt="1st week">
The shoots take on this appearance once they get a little bigger. The smaller shoots were more purplish like yours pictured above.

[extremegardener]

Wow, nice shoots! I'd never guess it was the same bamboo from looking at this picture, but the plants I have are still in 15 gallon containers and much smaller. One thing I noticed was how fast these things gain height and then start opening the side branches. Thanks for the picture.