Description:

Thamnocalamus tessalatus is a temperate clumping bamboo, and the sole bamboo native to South Africa.  Very upright in form, the new shoots are covered in ghost-white sheathing, and the leaves have a stiff, bushy appearance.  Culms are between 10’-20’ high, and up to 1.25” in diameter, with somewhat open spacing.  This bamboo makes a coarse, wonderfully bold statement in the landscape, and it’s one of the few temperate clumping bamboos that thrive in full sun.

Planting History:

In December 2003 I purchased a 1 gallon container plant from Boo-Shoot Gardens which grew vigorously during the 2004 growing season, with a half day of sun and lots of water.  I transplanted the plant into larger pots twice in 2004, and into a full sun location in spring, 2005.  It produced many new shoots over 4’ tall, and has spread to a 2’ diameter clump.

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