Its very fine foliage gives this bamboo, which is native to Central America, an elegant look. It has the advantage of growing “in tufts” and therefore has less of a creeping nature. However, it requires warmth to be able to grow outside.
Identity Card
Taxonomy
Detailed Informations
Etymology
Otatea is the latinised form of word “otate” (Nahuatl Amerindian language) meaning bamboos. Acuminata means “pointed” in Latin.
Description and flowering period
It is a densely clumping bamboo reaching 2 to 5 meters high. Its numerous slender culms (botanical term for grasses and sedges’ stalks) bear long and narrow pale green leaves. The weight of the foliage is responsible for the culms’ arching habit which is where the name weeping bamboo comes from.
Habitat
It requires a free-draining soil in full sun or part-shade. The species is drought tolerant but cannot endure extended periods of cold weather nor frosts.
Uses
Ornamental.
Translated by: François Saint-Hillier – MNHN