Black bamboo

Description

Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as black bamboo, is a species of bamboo, native to Hunan Province of China, and is widely cultivated elsewhere. Growing up to 25 m (82 ft) tall by 30 cm (1 ft) broad, it forms clumps of slender arching canes which turn black after two or three seasons. The abundant lance-shaped leaves are 4–13 cm (2–5 in) long. Numerous forms and cultivars are available for garden use. The species and the form P. nigra f. henonis have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The form henonis is also known as Henon bamboo and as cultivar 'Henon'. It is used for lumber (timber), food, and musical instruments, among other things, in areas of China where it is native and also worldwide.