Giant Black bamboo
Gigantochloa atroviolacea
Family: Poaceae
What it is like
A bamboo. It forms loose tufts. The stems are 12 m tall and 6-8 cm wide. The internodes are 40-50 cm long.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows well in humid lowlands in areas with an annual rainfall of 1,500-3,700 mm. In the Cairns Botanical Gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Indonesia, SE Asia, Singapore, USA
How it is used for food
The young shoots are cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Shoots
How it is grown
It grows slowly.
Its other names
Local names
Awi hideung, Bambu hitam, Pring wulung