Seasonal Change of Terrestrial Parts of Three Dwarf Bamboos

Abstract

The seasonal change of terrestrial parts of Sasa veitchii, Pleioblastus akebono and Pseudosasa owatarii f. nana, which are typical dwarf bamboos frequently utilized as ground cover materials, was investigated for six years from the sprouting to the dying.
From this investigation, the following results about each species were obtained. S. veitchii did not show active branching, but the seasonal change of leaf number was slight. Pl. akebono branched actively, and the seasonal change of branch number was markedly dramatic as well as that of leaf number. Ps. owatarii f. nana showed comparatively active branching and dramatic change of leaf number. On the second and third year after sprouting, this species produced many new leaves. In addition to these, there were some difference among three species like the culm age that the activity decreased, the longevity of culms and leaves, and so on.
These results gave an important suggestion to consider the method of maintenance, mainly trimming, of planting site of dwarf bamboos.