YUSHANIA maling. Himalaya. If you are a long-time bamboo enthusiast, you probably first knew the Mexican weeping bamboo (now Otatea aztecorum) as Yushania. Times and taxonomy have changed, and the yushanias are all plants of South and East Asia (and under heavy contention between Chinese and European botanists). This one is a clumping bamboo, growing 10-30’ high. The stems stand erect, with a noticeably rough texture and pale bracts which last for several years. The leaves are 4-7" long, rather stiff, narrow and dark in color. Though it lacks the grace of some of the fargesias, this can be a useful bamboo for tall screens and well-behaved hedges. Hardy to 20^oF. or less (how much less is not well tested).