Shibataea kumasaca (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun to shade
Flowering period: N/A
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 1m
Eventual Spread: 1m
Hardiness: 6b – 10b
Family: Poaceae
Shibataea kumasaca is an evergreen low growing bamboo. Its mid green leaves are lance shaped, up to 10cm long and 3cm broad. Its culms are up to 4mm in diameter. Its roots are rhizomes.
Shibataea kumasaca, commonly known as Ruscus Bamboo, Ruscus Leaved Bamboo or Okame Zasa, is native to south east China. In its native habitat it grows on mountain slopes. Shibataea kumasaca is synonymous with Bambusa shibataea ‘Kumasaca’. It was introduced to UK from Japan in 1861.
The etymological root of the binomial name Shibataea is named after the Japanese botanist Keita Shibata (1878 – 1949). We are unclear of the root of the species name Kumasaca, reader feedback would be welcome.
The landscape architect may find Shibataea kumasaca useful as an effective low growing, evergreen ground cover bamboo, particularly useful on banks. It may also be clipped into a low growing hedge.
Ecologically, Shibataea kumasaca is of little value to UK wildlife.
Shibataea kumasaca Leaf (18/11/2012, Kew Gardens, London)
Shibataea kumasaca prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil. It will not tolerate waterlogged soils.
Shibataea kumasaca requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring.
