Kan-Chiku
Chimonobambusa marmorea

Family: Poaceae or Gramineae

What it is like

Chimonobambusa marmorea is an evergreen Bamboo growing to 1.5 m (5ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

This plant has long been cultivated in Japan and has been introduced elsewhere. Its original habitat is obscure.

E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

Young shoots - cooked. Seed - used as a cereal. The seed is neither regularly nor abundantly produced.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The plant is useful for low screens, clumps and hedges.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Prefers a good loamy soil. Succeeds in most soils so long as they do not dry out. Dislikes drought. Prefers a position sheltered from cold north and east winds. Plants are liable to injury by winter cold. They are hardy to about -20°c according to another report. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. Plants only flower at intervals of many years. When they do come into flower most of the plants energies are directed into producing seed and consequently the plant is severely weakened. They sometimes die after flowering, but if left alone they will usually recover though they will look very poorly for a few years. If fed with artificial NPK fertilizers at this time the plants are more likely to die. A few stems on each plant usually produce flowers in most years without noticeable harm to the plant. Plants spread rapidly by means of underground suckers and are apt to be invasive, especially when they are well established. New canes are produced from late April.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse at about 20°c. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination usually takes place fairly quickly so long as the seed is of good quality, though it can take 3 - 6 months. Grow on in a lightly shaded place in the greenhouse until large enough to plant out. Seed is rarely available. Division in spring as new growth commences. Take divisions with at least three canes in the clump, trying to cause as little root disturbance to the main plant as possible. Grow them on in light shade in a greenhouse in pots of a high fertility sandy medium. Mist the foliage regularly until plants are established. Plant them out into their permanent positions when a good root system has developed, which can take a year or more. Basal cane cuttings.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Habit: Bamboo

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Arundinaria kokantsik. A. marmorea. Bambusa marmorea.