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Tropical Black Bamboo Gigantochloa atroviolacea Bamboo Seeds for Sale

• Specialty seeds - limited quantities
• Quantity 10 Tropical Black bamboo seeds for sale
• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9-11
• Tropical bamboo seeds
• Clumping bamboo seeds
• Noninvasive bamboo seeds
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Java Black 'Gigantochloa atroviolacea' Bamboo Seed Characteristics

Tropical Black Bamboo, also known as Java Black Bamboo, Giant Black Bamboo, and Widjaja bamboo, is a species of clumping bamboo native to the warm, humid forests of southern China. Gigantochloa atroviolacea, also sometimes referred to as Zi Zhu bamboo or Purple Bamboo,, is a tropical, densely-clumping bamboo that is native to Java, Indonesia. It prefers growing in dry areas, under which conditions  the purple-black color of its culms is accentuated. 

Some of characteristics and growth habits of Gigantochloa atroviolacea:

1. Height and spread: Tropical black bamboo can grow up to 30 feet (9 meters) tall and spread out up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) wide.

2. Culms: The culms (stems) of tropical black bamboo are dark green when they first emerge, but turn jet black within 6-12 months. They are typically 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter.

3. Leaves: The leaves of tropical black bamboo are narrow and lance-shaped, and can grow up to 7 inches (18 cm) long.

4. Growth habit: Tropical black bamboo is a clumping bamboo, which means it forms tight clumps of culms rather than spreading out via underground rhizomes like running bamboo.

5. Hardiness: Tropical black bamboo is only hardy to USDA zone 9, which means it can only tolerate minimum temperatures down to 20°F (-6°C).

6. Light requirements: Tropical black bamboo prefers partial shade to full sun. It can grow in full shade, but the culms may be weaker and less vibrant in color.

7. Soil requirements: Tropical black bamboo prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil with high organic matter content. It can tolerate slightly alkaline soil but may not grow as well.

8. Water requirements: Tropical black bamboo needs consistent moisture but can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet.

9. Growth rate: Tropical black bamboo is a fast-growing bamboo, with culms typically growing 3-5 feet (0.9-1.5 meters) per year once established.

10. Propagation: Tropical black bamboo can be propagated via division, but it can take a few years for a newly planted division to reach maturity and produce culms. It can also be propagated via culm cuttings or seed, but these methods can be more difficult and may not always be successful.

 Key Growth Habits of Gigantochloa atroviolacea Bamboo Seeds

Tropical black bamboo (Gigantochloa atroviolacea) is a clumping bamboo, which means it grows in tight, dense clusters of culms (stems) that emerge from a central rhizome. Here are some of the key growth habits of this species:

Culm emergence: New culms of tropical black bamboo emerge from the ground in early spring, usually between March and April, depending on the climate. The culms grow rapidly, with some species capable of growing up to 90 cm (35 inches) per day during the peak growing season.

Culm color: The stems of tropical black bamboo start out green when they first emerge and gradually turn black as they mature. The color change is due to a buildup of pigments called anthocyanins, which give the stems their characteristic dark color.

Culm size: The culms of tropical black bamboo can grow up to 15 meters (50 feet) tall and 10 centimeters (4 inches) in diameter. However, the size of the culms can vary depending on environmental conditions, with smaller culms being produced in less favorable growing conditions.

Culm sheaths: Each culm of tropical black bamboo is covered in a series of sheaths that protect the growing stem. The sheaths are initially green and covered in fine hairs, but they gradually turn brown and fall off as the culm grows.

Leaf growth: Leaves of tropical black bamboo emerge from nodes along the culm and grow alternately along the stem. They are long and lance-shaped, with a pointed tip and a sharp edge. The leaves are green in color and can grow up to 30 centimeters (12 inches) long and 3 centimeters (1.2 inches) wide.

Rhizome growth: The rhizome of tropical black bamboo grows horizontally underground, sending up new culms each year. The rhizomes can spread up to 6 meters (20 feet) wide, but the individual culms remain close together.

Growth rate: Tropical black bamboo is a fast-growing species, with new culms reaching their full height within a few months. However, the growth rate can vary depending on environmental conditions, with slower growth in cooler or drier climates.

Clumping Bamboo Seeds

In summary, tropical black bamboo is a clumping bamboo that grows rapidly in spring and summer, with new culms emerging from the ground each year. The culms are initially green and covered in sheaths, but they turn black as they mature. The species has a horizontal rhizome growth habit, and individual culms remain close together, forming dense clusters of stems.

Historical Origins of Tropical Black Bamboo

The historical origins of tropical black bamboo (Gigantochloa atroviolacea) can be traced back to Southeast Asia, specifically to the Indonesian archipelago and surrounding regions. The species is part of the larger genus Gigantochloa, which includes over 50 bamboo species found throughout tropical and subtropical Asia.

Bamboo has played an important role in Southeast Asian culture and history for centuries. It has been used for a wide range of purposes, from building materials to food, medicine, and even musical instruments. In particular, bamboo has been valued for its strength, flexibility, and versatility, making it a key resource for many traditional industries.

Tropical black bamboo was likely domesticated in Southeast Asia and selectively bred over time for its desirable traits, such as the dark coloration of its stems. It has been used in various traditional crafts, such as weaving and basketry, and is also considered a valuable source of wood for construction.

Grow Black Bamboo from Seed

Today, tropical black bamboo is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks around the world. Its striking black stems and graceful form make it a popular choice for landscaping, and it is often used as a focal point or accent plant in garden designs. While the species remains an important cultural and economic resource in Southeast Asia, it has also become a beloved plant in many other parts of the world.

More About Gigantochloa atroviolacea Clumping Bamboo

Gigantochloa atroviolacea Tropical Black bamboo seeds. 

Gigantochloa is a tropical Asian and Papuasian genus of giant clumping bamboos in the grass family. It is found in southern China, Southeast Asia, the Indian subcontinent, and New Guinea.

Deep purple almost black culms, with faint green stripes. has low branches and green leave sheaths. Closely related to Bambusa lako.