the new culms. The culms are smooth and shiny in subsp. spathiflorus, becoming yellow or red when exposed. They are waxy in var. bhutanensis, becoming yellow or black with age. This species is not commonly harvested, especially when larger bamboos are available nearby, as it has small culms that are brittle and have swollen nodes, which makes them unsuitable for weaving. It is very important for wildlife however, providing food for animals such as red pandas and bears, and shelter for birds such as pheasants. It is also browsed by livestock in winter. It does not hinder regeneration of trees, as seedlings can grow in the gaps between the clumps, which are quite open, not as dense as areas of Yushania.
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