Formerly called Sasa tessellata, this bamboo has the largest leaves of any bamboo in cultivation. They can grow to 24 inches long by 4 inches wide. These leaves are often used in cooking to wrap food in the same manner as banana leaves and corn husks. This species is reported to be one of the hardiest Sasa types, though its leaves can shred when exposed to excessive wind. The form called 'Hamadae' is known to grow taller and more upright than the species.
