Bambusa lako

Bambusa lako, known as Timor black bamboo[1], is a large species of bamboo originating from the island of Timor; its black culms may reach 21 m (69 ft) in height. A 2000 molecular study places it as closely related to the similar Indonesian species Gigantochloa atroviolacea , from which it was separated in 1997; it may soon be placed in that genus. Bambusa lako can only be grown in climates that are mostly frost free.

Timor black bamboo
mature culms, cult. Sydney
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Poaceae
Genus: Bambusa
Species:
B. lako
Binomial name
Bambusa lako

Description

Bambusa lako grows to 21 m (69 ft) in height, with culms reaching a maximum of 10 cm (3.9 in) in diameter. The culms are initially green before maturing to a shiny black, sometimes with scattered green stripes;[2] they grow vertically, though may droop at the top. The culms are initially covered with culm-sheaths which have dark brown-black hairs. Shoots grow rapidly in warmer weather. The branches are short and leaves long and pendulous; individual leaf-blades may reach 25 cm (9.8 in).[3] To date, this species has not been observed in flower.[3]

Taxonomy

Timor black bamboo was described and separated from the Indonesian black bamboo species Gigantochloa atroviolacea by botanist Professor Elizabeth A. Widjaja in 1997, as its appearance (morphology) differed.[4] However, only nonflowering material was observed, and the author noted the need for examining flowering material to confirm classification. This can be difficult with bamboos which can take up to 120 years to flower. A 2000 molecular study examined material from several bamboo species and concluded that the two species were very closely related and that the Timor black bamboo would be better placed in the genus Gigantochloa.[5] It had been known as Gigantochloa sp. 'Timor black'.[2]

Distribution, habitat and cultivation

Timor black bamboo is restricted to the island of Timor.[2] It has been introduced into cultivation to the United States and Australia, and is hardy to −4 °C (25 °F).[2]

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References
  1. "Growing bamboos". Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. Government of Western Australia. 3 June 2014. Retrieved 9 September 2018.
  2. Meredith, Ted (2001). Bamboo for gardens. Timber Press. pp. 243–44. ISBN 0-88192-507-1.
  3. Clayton WD, Harman KT, Williamson H. "Descriptions - Bambusa lako". GrassBase  — The Online World Grass Flora. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
  4. Widjaja, E. "New taxa in Indonesian bamboo". Reinwardtia. 11: 57–152.
  5. Jin Phang Loh; Ruth Kiew; Ohn Set; Leong Huat Gan & Yik-Yuen Gan (2000). "A Study of Genetic Variation and Relationships within the Bamboo Subtribe Bambusinae using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism" (PDF). Annals of Botany. 85 (5): 607–12. doi:10.1006/anbo.2000.1109. Retrieved 2009-04-07.
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