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Timor Black Bamboo

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​​​​​​Timor Black Bamboo

​Bambusa lako​​

  • ​Common Name: Timor Black Bamboo
  • Scientific Name: Bambusa lako
  • Family Name: Poaceae
  • Origin: Indonesia (Asia) - Lesser Sunda Islands
  • Height:  it can grow up to 70’ in the tropics but is usually 40’ – 60’
  • Width: 8’ – 10’
  • Growth: slow to moderate - but can still mature to full growth in 3-4 years if established well.
  • Zone: 9B - 11
  • Light Needs: Full Sun
  • Salt Tolerance:  moderately tolerant to salt spray
  • Soil/PH/Texture: likes soil that is acidic – neutral (pH 5.6 – 7.5) apply all-purpose fertilizer monthly during the spring and summer.
  • Soil Moisture: likes to have consistently moist soil, water regularly, but if it is left in standing water for any length of time will rot the rhizome of the plant and cause it to die (rot root).
  • Drought Tolerance: when mature it is somewhat drought resistant (less water causes stunting in growth)
  • Pests/Diseases: virtually disease and pest resistant except for the occasional scale insect.
  • Growing Conditions: easy to grow and low maintenance, they are known for being a clumping variety and so you do not have to worry about them spreading and taking over your yard.
  • Characteristics: grown for its foliage, a lot of people consider Timor black bamboo to be one of the most beautiful of all the bamboos, because of the shiny black culms that look like they are polished ebony. The shiny dark brown/black culms with bushy dark green foliage, have a curl shape at the top and minimal branching down low, 4” in diameter, and the new shoots come out green and then they transition to black over 6-9 months, but the black culms will fade into a white/grey color as they die off.
  • Propagation: by dividing the root ball, rhizomes, tubers, bulbs, or offsets
  • Wildlife: unknown
  • Facts: unknown
  • Designer Considerations: use as a border plant, privacy screen, hedge, focal specimen plant, or as a container plant on your patio or deck.