Bambusa Beecheyana
"Beechey Bamboo"

I am a rapidly growing and graceful giant clumping bamboo. I have dark green leaves 1" wide and 5" long. I thrive in hot summers, but I can withstand winters to 20 degrees. In the right conditions, I can grow 50 feet tall and my culms can reach 5" in diameter.

I am a fast grower, and I send up thick arching, dark green culms in August-September which remain covered with white powder when young.  Named after Captain F.W. Beechey whose ship visited Macau, China in 1827 & first collected me.
 
I have a tropical appearance, which means big leaves, big culms, big rhizomes & roots plus a bit irregular & culms arching over like a giant fountain.
 
I am a source of edible summer shoots. "These young shoots are fat & tasty. The long pendulous tips, like fishing rods cast into the air, are very poetic." When I am grown for eating, soil is mounded up on the base of my culms in order to keep the sprouts white & tender until they are dug.  Otherwise, they become tough & their taste develops "bite". 

Don't pretend that you can grow me in a pot or on a small residential lot. You'll end up dynamiting the pot & moving to Tahiti.  But if you have some room & if you want a really big somewhat civilized giant tropical clumper - I'm your 'Boo!