Gigantochloa atroviolacea
Tropical Black Bamboo
 

From Java and Sumatra. Purple-black culms striped with green. Weeping habit, hairy culm sheathes without stripping. Large, dark green leaves. This plant is in very high demand and limited stock. A must have for bamboo collectors.

50' tall, 3.5" dia culms, good to 25 deg F

Tropical Black Bamboo - Gigantochloa atroviolacea
3 year old clump in Spring Texas - June 2006

Gigantochloa atroviolacea new culm shoot

Dead and damaged canes were removed and dead tops trimmed out using a pole chain saw.

Gigantochloa atroviolacea - Tropical Black Bamboo after spring pruning
This past winter it withstood a low of around 26 degrees on night. The Tropical Black Bamboo was completely defoliated but most canes are growing new leaves now that spring is here.