South African

(No common name)

Thamnocalamus tessellatus

The only bamboo native to South Africa, it forms an open clump with new shoots traveling about 1 foot each year. Upright, attractive and quite drought-tolerant.

  • Height: 14’
  • Diameter: 1”
  • Minimum Temp: 0o F
  • Sun or Partial Shade

Unique Identification Features

  • About 7 branches per node first year, up to 12 over life.
  • Persistant sheath is pale, almost white with erect blade.
  • Leaves measure about 3 x .4 inches and are tessellated.
  • Branch buds are taller than wide
  • Branchs rise vertically for about .5" then out at 45o angle.
  • Branches primarily on upper nodes.
  • Culms matt green sometimes aging to dull purple.