Higher density produces too many overcrowded rhizomes which reduces shoot quality. Culms are cut after they reach 7 years so that only about 500 shoots per hectare are allowed to grow into new culms each year. It is best to select these shoots from those that sprout early in the mid season of shoot production. Each must be carefully marked with the year of its emergence so that there will be no uncertainty at cutting time. Characteristics of Running Species.
Culms arise from long underground rhizomes.
These spread in sinuous courses about 30 cm deep reaching maximum depths of 1 to 1.25 m. New shoots begin to emerge in September, with peak production normally in October. Culm sheaths are papery in texture and can be densely hairy and spotted. They bear bristles at the apex. Sheath blades are usually long and slender.