Fast growing, thick-walled, soft. Lower branches are long, wiry and armed with thorns. Edible shoots. Used for paper in India. Very small leaves. There are many seedling varieties, or cultivars, of this species. The seeds of the cultivar listed here were germinated at Fairchild Tropical Garden, Miami. May grow up to 50' tall with 3" diameter culms in Florida. Min temp. 30 degrees F. Min USDA zone: 9b. Click to find your zone.