‘Clumping bamboo’ in global decline
As home owners in Southern Louisiana, we have a love for nature and seeing the natural growing environment. Many of us enjoy being able to view the natural bayous and wild life that occasionally greet us at our front doors.
However, when we want privacy from this natural environment, or from the neighbors next door, there are a variety of plants that we can choose from to accomplish this goal. One of the most popular choices for the past several years have been several varieties of bamboo, the most common choice of these being the clumping bamboo.
While attractive, sturdy, and fairly disease resistant, there has been a worldwide trend in the decline in the popular clumping bamboo variety Alphonse Karr.
Alphonse Karr is an evergreen foliage type bamboo that thrives in the hot climates of Louisiana. It has been the choice of many home owners because it can grow between 25 – 35 feet in height and about 10 feet in width. This makes it an effective screen for the privacy of homes. However, many home owners have complained that this exceptionally hardy plant, has begun to decline at an alarming rate. In fact, unbeknownst to many, this variety of clumping bamboo is currently declining at the same rate around the world.
Globally, this Alphonse Karr decline is possibly linked to the combination of environmental and genetic factors that causes it to decline whenever it producers seeds. In many cases, years or decades may pass without this variety ever producing a seed. Unfortunately, this is the year that the variety is going through its natural cycle which will cause many of the plants to severely decline.
Signs of decline are the extreme yellowing or browning of the plant leaves and canes. The bamboo will look drought stressed or seem to diseased because of the reduction in its vibrant cane and leaf color. Currently there is no immediate solution to cure this problem with this variety of clumping bamboo.
For more information please contact the LSU / SU AgCenter office at (337) 332-2181 or visit us at 114 Courthouse St. in Breaux Bridge.
DeLane Ross is assistant county agent for St. Martin and Iberia parishes. Contact him at (337) 332-2181 or via email at delane_ross@suagcenter.com.
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