Ebay seed sellers often have a reputation. Ie orchid seeds (which the average person could never deal with) in reality being seeds of 4' oclock. I would think the likelihood of such here is high. First thing, see if Black Timor has had a flowering event in the last couple of years, if not..then umm no.

In a search I saw that back in 2005 people were planting Black Timor seeds. So I'd be leary if these are still good. However the guy has almost no negative feedback so seems reliable. With any seeds it's really a gamble anyway. It's $10, I guess give em a try and let us know?

Or just pony up like $45 and buy a pot of Black Timor, you'll save several years growing on and you know it's BT

Yeah I was thinking the same thing, for $10 it might be worth a gamble. But I may also buy a 5 gallon or so, if I can find a good one. I contacted this guy http://sandiego.craigslist.org/nsd/grd/4956874826.html that is within an hour from me for availability, just waiting to hear back...

Thanks for the replies, I'll keep you posted...

gerardo-
Also bear in mind that if the seeds are viable and if you are able to get them to sprout and if it is actually the species claimed, it will be 3-5 years before you have a B. lako that is head high. I have grown bamboo from seed as a fun project. But when I want a bamboo of decent size within a reasonable period of time, I buy it in a pot.

Thanks for the responses!