Culms are green for first 6 months molting to black. Prune lower portion of culm to show off the beauty. A very handsome bamboo with gray-green culms. Can reach a considerable size. Wood is of very high quality.
New shoots have a bloom at sheath fall and a rough feel.
Shoots are delicious. The beauty of this plant is the new shoots. When grown in full sun culms are deep purple almost black, slowly turning to bright pea green. Shoots are delicious. Used for weaving.