Ringal (Drepanostachyum falcatum)

Ringal (Drepanostachyum falcatum)
(c) Seema Merchant, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Seema Merchant

At a glance

Exposure
Partial shade
Frost limit
−12.2 °C

Cultivation

Prefers an open loam of reasonable quality and plenty of moisture in the growing season. A very ornamental plant, tolerating temperatures down to about -6°c. In most parts of the country it is best grown in a conservatory. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. Plants flower quite frequently in Britain and often produce viable seed. The rootstock is caespitose, new shoots are produced from late May.

Propagation

Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Division in spring as new growth commences. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more. Basal cane cuttings.

Edible uses

Young shoots - cooked.

Material uses

The canes are used for making hats, baskets, rods etc. The plant is used as a very effective soil stabilizer in Nepal.

Habitat

Forms dense thickets in evergreen oak forests that are usually damp, to 3600 metres.

Native range

E. Asia - Himalayas.