Phyllostachys virella is a hardy running bamboo with culms that grow thick relative to its height with a subtle scent suggestive of sandalwood.[1]

Phyllostachys virella
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Phyllostachys
Species:
P. virella
Binomial name
Phyllostachys virella
T.H.Wen
Phyllostachys virella
Traditional Chinese東陽青皮竹
Simplified Chinese东阳青皮竹
Transcriptions
Standard Mandarin
Hanyu PinyinDōng yáng qīng pí zhú

Description

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This bamboo grows with an expected height to 9 m (30 ft) with a culm diameter to 5 cm (2 in).[2] New culms are green, paling with age, with all green internodes that later develop white powdery rings at maturity.[2] Culm sheath colors appear grey-green with burgundy or purple margins with larger sheaths sparsely strewn with small spots.[2] Similar to Phyllostachys atrovaginata, rubbing the culms of this bamboo may release an aroma reminiscent of sandalwood.[1]

Distribution

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This bamboo grows in areas ranging from subtropical to temperate and tolerates winter low temperatures better than most bamboos.[3] Its natural distribution in China is found in Zhejiang Province.[2]

Name

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Its common name of "green skin bamboo" or "Dongyang green skin bamboo"[4] translates directly from the Chinese name, Dongyang being a city-level county in the central area of Zhejiang Province.

References

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  1. ^ a b "New Garden Bamboos". Retrieved 2011-04-30.
  2. ^ a b c d "Phyllostachys virella in Flora of China". Retrieved 2011-04-30.
  3. ^ "hardiness ratings". Archived from the original on 2012-06-19. Retrieved 2011-04-30.
  4. ^ Umberto Quattrocchi (2006). CRC World Dictionary of Grasses. CRC. p. 1719. ISBN 978-0-8493-1303-5.