Fishpole bamboo

Description

Phyllostachys aurea is a species of bamboo, and is of the 'running bamboo' type, belonging to the diverse Bambuseae tribe. It is native to Fujian and Zhejiang in China. It is commonly known by the names fishpole bamboo, golden bamboo, monk's belly bamboo, and fairyland bamboo (Australia). Phyllostachis aurea is cultivated as an ornamental plant for gardens. In the United States and Australia, it is considered an invasive species that crowds out native species and becomes a monoculture that is difficult to remove. It is a cold-hardy bamboo, performing well in USDA zones 6 to 10, (Connecticut to Florida). In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It is a tall evergreen species growing to 8 m (26 ft) tall by 4 m (13 ft) broad. Like most bamboos it can become invasive if kept in warm, moist conditions in good quality soil.