Phyllostachys nigra, commonly known as black bamboo or purple bamboo (), is a species of bamboo, native to Hunan Province of China, and is widely cultivated elsewhere. Growing up to tall by broad, it forms clumps of slender arching canes which turn black after two or three seasons. The abundant lance-shaped leaves are long. Numerous forms and cultivars are available for garden use. The species and the form P. nigra f. henonis have both gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. The form henonis is also known as Henon bamboo and as cultivar 'Henon'. Uses It is used for lumber (timber), food, and musical instruments, among other things, in areas of China where it is native and also worldwide. Phytochemistry A 2008 study from Zhejiang University, in China, isolated several flavone C-glycosides on black bamboo leaves, including orientin, homoorientin, vitexin and isovitexin. References External links nigra Endemic flora of China Flora of Hunan Grasses of China Garden plants of Asia Medicinal plants of Asia