Timor Black Bamboo

Bambusa lako E. A. Widjaja Reinwardtia 11(2):  61 1997

SEE NOTE BELOW CONCERNING GENERIC CLASSIFICATION

Poaceae

Previously known as: Gigantochloa atroviolacea Widjaja ‘Timor Black’, but WI2 recently separated B. lako from G. atroviolacea based on non-flowering material.  In a subsequent DNA study, LOH found the two to be very closely related and suggested that B. lako does belong in Gigantochloa, though they did not make the formal name change.

Natural range:  Lesser Sunda Islands (East Timor) (INT)

One of the most attractive bamboos in the world, this black bamboo from East Timor makes an excellent ornamental plant.  Occasional vertical stripes of green and yellow add to this plant.  It has branches on the lower part of culms.  Sheath blades are erect.

Recognition and landscape use (by Marx Broszio):  This is one of the best of the species referred to as “black bamboos.”  It has a deep, purplish-black color with more sheen on the culms than the other black bamboos.  It also features occasional green striping on some canes.  The new canes start out green, then turn black gradually over several months.  The maximum height is about 50 feet, with canes up to 3.5” in diameter.  With its striking appearance, this species is suitable as a landscape highlight or can be combined with other large foliage species.  Full sun.

Internet source: http://www.tropicalbamboo.com/Featured_Bamboos.asp