Neololeba atra – Iron Range Bamboo

Description

Formerly known as Bambusa forbesii.
A beautiful bamboo native to Australia (Iron Ranges) and New Guinea. It is tight clumping with very large leaves.
More of an understory bamboo and prefers some shade or warm protected areas. Not at all frost tolerant.
Beautiful as a patio plant, in containers.
We imported this species from Australia in 2011 primarily to compare and distinguish it from Bambusa atra. They are similar in overall form but the most noticeable difference is the occasional leaf variegation and culm striation on B.atra. Neither is present on N.atra. The leaves on N.atra are also larger (especially wider).
May each about 15′ tall with 1/2″ dia culms in Florida. Min. temp 30?F. Min USDA zone: 10. Click to find your zone.