It has striking leaves variegated with white stripes. Culms have short internodes, are durable and pest resistant. Tabasheer is also a product of this species. Long rhizome necks form an open clump. C - A very attractive erect clumping species with long narrow leaves, native to New Guinea.
Shoots are delicious and can be eaten raw.
Not tolerant of wet soil and does not do well in pots, best propagated by divisions of clumps in the ground. We have a trail planting which now produces several 100 kgs per year which are sold to restaurants. Culms and leaves covered by fine hairs. This is the species use to make Shakuhachi flutes. The flowering cycle is 120 yrs.