Semiarundinaria fastuosa

Height: 6 to 8 metres

Common Name: Narahira Bamboo

In Japan this tall, tropical-looking bamboo is known as Narahiradake, and is called after Narahira, a Japanese mythological hero. The Latin name "fastuosa", meanwhile, means stately or proud. And this is indeed a heroic plant of stately proportions and proud demeanour. The green culms age to a purplish hue in good light, and are straight and strong with lush, dark-green leaves borne on short branches. The hefty canes do not bow under the weight of the foliage (which starts about a metre from the ground on mature specimens) but remain steadfastly vertical, like clusters of leafy columns. It makes a fine plant for lining a path or growing against a wall, where the canes will not lean forward. In this situation it needs plenty of water. It may also be used as a screening plant, as a grove, or as a single, impressive specimen. In France it is planted between streets and houses to absorb noise and dust. Younger plants are vigorous, but are easily controlled by selective removal of wandering shoots, which are edible.