Plant · GBIF taxon 5290167
fishpole bamboo
Phyllostachys aureaAlso known as Golden Bamboo, Monk's Belly Bamboo, Fairyland Bamboo
Fishpole bamboo forms dense, golden thickets characterized by distinctively shortened and swollen internodes near the base of its tall canes. Native to eastern China, this running bamboo spreads rapidly via underground rhizomes and has established itself across warm temperate regions worldwide as both an ornamental plant and a aggressive invasive grass. Its strong, flexible culms have long been harvested to manufacture fishing rods, walking sticks, and lightweight furniture.
Running BambooFast-GrowingOrnamental
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic
Predators
- Bamboo Borers
- Giant Panda
- Herbivorous Livestock
ThreatsHabitat destruction in native range; managed as an invasive species in introduced regions
HabitatsSubtropical forests, riverbanks, urban gardens, disturbed woodlands
Life spanPerennial (rhizome networks live decades; culms live 7–10 years)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderPoales
- FamilyPoaceae
- GenusPhyllostachys
- SpeciesPhyllostachys aurea
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Base Examination: Look for compressed, swollen lower internodes that resemble stacked rings.
- Containment Advice: Install deep underground root barriers when planting to prevent rhizome spread.
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