Bambusa lako (Timor Black Bamboo)

Known for its chocolate black canes with lime green stripes, the Timor Black is one of the world’s most beautiful bamboos. It prefers a sheltered position, as direct exposure to the afternoon sun on the black canes will cause some sun-bleaching to occur. For this reason, it is best protected from direct afternoon sun exposure. The canes are erect and really stand out among the stunning lime green leaves. A fantastic specimen of bamboo for any garden.

This bamboo was sold in Australia for years as the similar and equally beautiful G-atroviolacea. The main differences are Timor Black has a light green hairless striped shoot plus chocolate black culms whereas G-atroviolacea has sooty black culms and dark hairy stripe-free shoot.

Black bamboo prefers to be planted in the ground rather than in pots, and compared to some other bamboos is on the slower-growing side.