Specimen
Habitat
MP-0023 / 0024 โ Poaceae
Pleioblastus linearis (Hack.) Nakai
Ryukyu-chiku (JP)
A slender bamboo of the Ryukyu forest edge, spreading by creeping rhizomes.
Distribution
Native to the Ryukyu Archipelago, from Amami southwards.
Habitat
Forest margins, slopes and understorey; often forming extensive stands.
Morphology
A running bamboo with creeping underground rhizomes (leptomorph). The hollow culms are 3โ5 m tall and 1โ2 cm in diameter with conspicuous nodes. Narrow lanceolate leaves are borne on slender side-branches at the top of the culm.
Botanical notes
A characteristic dwarf bamboo of the Ryukyus, it spreads vegetatively by rhizomes and can dominate the forest floor. Bamboo flowers only at very long intervals and then often dies back after flowering.
References
Taxonomy and distribution follow Plants of the World Online (Kew), YList (Yonekura & Kajita) and regional floras; CITES Species+ for trade status. Descriptions are provisional and are revised as specimens are verified.