Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis has flowered only once in one hundred and twenty years. The last time the phenomenon was recorded was in 1908, although the appearance of inflorescences was observed from 1903-1912. The next full-scale flowering is expected around 2028.
Meanwhile, Hiroshima University has discovered that the early and luxurious flowering stage serves the plant to overcome competition. The researchers took this opportunity to study the unique process. Unfortunately, it turns out that flowering can spell disaster for both the bamboo population itself and for nature as a whole.
According to the lead author of the study, Toshihiro Yamada, bamboo loses seed viability after flowering. In the lab, all shoots died with no signs of regeneration through seeds, new stems or dwarf shoots.
