Height: 2 to 4 metres

The genus name of this medium-height Japanese plant translates as "bamboo growing on Hiba mountain". It represents a botanical curiosity that should thrill any bamboo collector, being a natural hybrid between a Sasa and a Phyllostachys. Characteristics of both parents can be seen in the offspring, namely, the large Sasa-like leaves and the distinctive Phyllostachys "sulcus" - or groove - running down the cane. It is happy in most positions, and the dark-green leaves are remarkably weather resistant, remaining virtually unscathed by harsh winters. Given free rein it will form a bushy mound of dense foliage, up to 5 metres across, but it is readily restricted to a much smaller size.