紫竹(原变种) zi zhu (yuan bian zhong)

Bambusa nigra Loddiges ex Lindley, Penny Cyclop. 3: 357. 1835; Phyllostachys filifera McClure; P. nana Rendle; P. nigripes Hayata; P. puberula (Miquel) Munro var. nigra (Loddiges ex Lindley) Makino.

Culm internodes initially green, gradually developing purple-brown or brown-black spots and patches, or finally becoming uniformly purple-brown or brown-black. 2n = 48*.

* Open forests of valleys; ca. 1100 m. S Hunan, widely cultivated in N and S China [introduced in many other countries as an ornamental for its culms].

This variety and the many named cultivars within it are widely planted throughout the world for their unique culms, which have varying degrees of coloration. Phyllostachys nigra 'Boryana' is striking with its persistently mottled, purple-brown culms.