Height: 5 metres or more

Common Name: South African Mountain Bamboo

This tall bamboo is indigenous to South Africa where it was at one time used by Zulus to make the framework of shields, and by forest tribes for arrow shafts and spear handles. Here the canes may be used as plant supports, provided they are thoroughly ripened first. In its native land the "Bergbamboes" (Afrikaans for mountain bamboo) grows at an altitude of 1,200 to 2,400 metres, along moist stream edges and in sheltered ravines. Our original stock came from Birr Castle in Co Offaly, where it flourishes in a swamplike situation. At our nursery, however, this most adaptable bamboo thrives on a dry slope in full sun.

The upright habit and short branches give it a bottle-brush effect similar to that of the Chilean Chusquea culeou, but the culms are finer and are hollow, unlike the solid-caned Chusquea, and the mid-green leaves are almost fleshy. The culm sheaths, which age to a striking white, remain in place for a long time and create a pleasing contrast with the dark cane. This tough bamboo makes a good windbreak or an interesting punctuation mark in a mixed planting scheme. It also looks splendid as a solitary specimen next to water.