Phyllostachys nigra | |
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Black bamboo in Bambouseraie de Prafrance at Générargues, Gard, Languedoc-Roussillon, France | |
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Monocots |
Clade: | Commelinids |
Order: | Poales |
Family: | Poaceae |
Genus: | Phyllostachys |
Species: | P. nigra
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Binomial name | |
Phyllostachys nigra | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as black bamboo[2] or purple bamboo (Chinese: 紫竹), is a species of bamboo, native to Hunan Province of China, and is widely cultivated elsewhere.[3]
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 [4] and the form P. nigra f. henonis[5] have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.[6] The form henonis is also known as Henon bamboo[5] and as cultivar 'Henon'.[7]