Do Phyllostachys heteroclada seedlings come 'true' from seed?

[Mark Meckes]

Do Phyllostachys heteroclada seedlings come 'true' from seed or do the seedlings produce variants of the form.

Until a few years ago Phyllostachys heteroclada species were called Phyllostachys purpurata:

Phyllostachys purpurata (Typical) - Now called Phyllostachys heteroclada 'Purpurata' (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showgallery.php?cat=613)

Phyllostachys purpurata 'Solidstem' - Now called Phyllostachys heteroclada 'Solidstem' (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showgallery.php?cat=606)

Phyllostachys purpurata 'Straightstem' - Now called Phyllostachys heteroclada (http://www.bamboocraft.net/bamboo/showgallery.php?cat=515)

(Note: will add info on distinguishing features of each species soon)

See also Phyllostachys heteroclada - New planting from Seeds - PA USA (http://www.bamboocraft.net/forums/showthread.php?t=1971)

Mark

[cngodles]

I have noticed that I've had everything from the purple to the green with new shoots. Maybe just a mixture of seeds, but even in the same pot they come up different colors.

[Mark Meckes]

These are the main differences in the culm structure of the three Phyllostachys heteroclada species:

Phyllostachys heteroclada (formerly named Phyllostachys purpurata 'Straightstem')
Culms have a hollow core from the base upwards

Phyllostachys heteroclada 'Solidstem' (formerly named Phyllostachys purpurata 'Solidstem')
Culms are solid at several nodes from the base, then has a small core, gradually becoming larger further up the culm.

Phyllostachys heteroclada 'Purpurata' (formerly named Phyllostachys purpurata (Typical)
The culms and branches noticeably zig-zag, are not straight, and arch over, (floppy).
It does not grow as tall as the other species at maturity.
Culms have a hollow core.