Gigantochloa atroviolacea

Bamboo Species

3 Dec

Gigantochloa atroviolacea, also known as Java Black Bamboo or Tropical Black Bamboo, is a dense tropical clumping bamboo native to Java, Indonesia. This bamboo species prefers to grow in dry areas where the purplish black color of its culms becomes more prominent.

          
            Height
            8 - 12 m
          
            Diameter
            6 - 8 cm
          
            Growth Habit
            Dense Clumper
          
            Climate
            Tropical  - Subtropical
          
            Hardiness
            -2°C
          
            Origin
            Indonesia

Culms

Medium size tufted woody bamboo with 8-12 m tall culms and an average diameter of 6-8 cm at the base. The culm internodes are fairly thick-walled (5-8 mm) and on average 30–50 cm long. Culms are dark green when young and turn purplish-black when mature with whitish nodes. The lower part of the culms develop aerial roots from the nodes.

Branches

Many clustered branches at the nodes with 1 larger dominant branch.

Leaves are lance-shaped and are on average 20-30 cm long and 2-5 cm broad.

Leaves

Habitat

Gigantochloa atroviolacea prefers to grow in dry areas on limestone rich soil. The purplish black color of the culms is more prominent when it grows in dry areas. This species can be propagated vegetatively by rhizome or culm cuttings. Recommended planting distance in the field is 8 x 7 m.

Uses

The poles are used for any sort of construction and excellent for decorative purposes and furniture making. It is a very desirable bamboo for making traditional musical instruments, handicrafts and fencing panels.

Origin

Gigantochloa atroviolacea Distribution Map

Gigantochloa atroviolacea grows widely in West Java, especially in the Banten and Sukabani District as well as Central Java. It was brought to the Indian Botanic Gardens Calcutta more than 100 years ago.