Thamnocalamus tesselatus

Common Name:
Bergbamboes
Plant Type:
Bamboo
Family:
Poaceae (The Grass Family)
Geographic Origin:
South and Southern Africa
California Native?:
No

Plant Size:
To 12 feet high
Landscape/Garden Uses:
screens
Flowering Season:
Seldom produced

Flower Color:
Not applicable
Exposure:
Sun or light shade
Soils:
Well-drained soil

Suggested Irrigation:
Moderate watering
Estimated Hardiness:
Hardy to 10 degrees F. or less

This well-behaved South African clumping bamboo is useful for individual display, screens and hedges. It is a somewhat stiff plant, with straight 10-20 foot stems. These present a striking contrast between dark green or purplish internodes and pale greyish tan bracts, which nearly cover the younger branchlets. Leaves up to 5 inches long are rather stiff. They are prominently veined, deep green above and blue-green beneath. It will thrive in sun or shade near the coast, part shade inland, in any reasonably well drained soil, with moderate watering. Hardy to 10 degrees F. or less.