Otatea acuminata ssp acuminata – Dwarf Mexican Weeping Bamboo

Description

Like Otatea acuminata aztecorum, this small bamboo develops a very distinct cascading fountain appearance. It also prefers a drier environment than most tropical bamboos. Fairly drought tolerant but irrigation is still recommended for a healthy appearance – a drip system rather than an overhead system.
Besides maturing to a smaller overall size than O.acuminata aztecorum, an identifying feature is the culm sheaths. These are shorter and never intersect each other on the culms. The culm sheaths on O.acuminata aztecorum most often overlap, exposing very little, if any, of the green culm between the sheaths. This is the easiest way to tell the difference between the two related subspecies at any age.
Usually grows to about 8′ in Florida. Cold-hardy to 21 degrees F.
Min USDA zone: 9a.
Click to find your zone.