Growing to tall by broad,
Chusquea culeou forms a substantial clump of greenery. It has hairy
lanceolate leaves with a spine on their end, and its flower is a
whisk of light brown colour. The plant also produces a
caryopsis fruit. Blooming occurs after variable periods, that could last 60 years. After blooming and releasing its seeds, the plant dies. The cane is straight, up to in height, and was used by the
Aboriginals for the pole of their spears. They are still used by the
Mapuche people for a musical instrument known as
trutruca. A feature of this
Chusquea is that the stems are solid, unlike most bamboos. ==Cultivation==