Description:
Originating from Asia, there are two common forms of Bamboo: running and
clumping. Both are known as Bambusa.
Clumping bamboos (Arundinaria spp) spread slowly from the centre,
but running bamboos (Phyllostachys spp.) are invasive and spread rapidly,
so have been declared Class 4 noxious weeds in all councils in the Sydney North region as well as in Parramatta and Blue Mountains councils.
Running Bamboos are woody plants to 6m high with underground runners (rhizomes).
Cultivated as ornamentals, they may become weeds in gardens, bushland and wasteland.
Two common forms of running bamboos are Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea)
and Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra).
Bamboos have rounded woody stems. Golden Bamboo stems are up to 5m high, they
are yellowish, slightly flattened and grooved. Black Bamboo stems are up to 8m,
and become shiny black with age.
Leaves are long, yellow to green and strap-like with parallel veins, but there
are also variegated and dwarf forms
Flowers rarely appear (at intervals of over 100 years). It steadily increases
in size by vegetative growth from the root mass.
Dispersal:
Produces erect shoots from rhizomes forming loosely clumped shoots over large
areas. Often dumped.
Impact on Bushland:
This weed is extremely invasive and poses a substantial threat to the environment.
It creates an impenetrable network of roots, heavy leaf litter and dense shade.
Due to this plant's invasive nature and the problems that it poses to neighbouring
properties, treatment to contain this weed must start immediately. This weed is
invading our bushland areas through escaping from properties or being dumped.
Bamboo infestations can lead to restriction of access to fence lines for maintenance
and can present a fire risk.
Control:
| Manual: |
Carefully dig the
base of the plant, rhizome (underground stem) and roots out of the ground
and dispose of at the tip. |
| |
Fill the hole and mulch the area to discourage any regrowth from any remaining
stem fragments. |
| |
The remaining vines in the tree can either be removed or left to rot in situ. |
| Chemical: |
Please contact your local control authority for
advice on chemical control. |
| Containment: |
In order to comply with the Noxious Weeds Act, Bamboo must be prevented from
growing within three metres of a boundary fence. If you decide not to remove the
plant entirely then a method of containment must be put in place to prevent regrowth
from occurring. For information on containment methods available please contact
your local control authority. |
Similar Species:
Golden and Black Bamboo may be safely replaced by clumping bamboo species, which
are decorative and easy to control. Bush friendly natives such as Banksias, Hakeas
and Grevilleas also provide good screening and windbreaks, and good habitat.
References:
Weeds of Blue Mountains Bushland, Blue Mountains City Council
and NPWS Blue Mountains, Making Your Garden Bush Friendly, Lynne McLoughlin
and Judith Rawling
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