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Common Name: Kan-Chiku

General Information

Chimonobambusa marmorea is an evergreen bamboo with elongated rhizomes forming loose clumps of erect canes up to 1.5 metres tall.
The plant is often grown as an ornamental, where it can be used to make an effective hedge. The young shoots are edible, but not of high quality.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - C. and S. Japan.

Habitat

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

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Bamboo
Height	1.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

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.

Edible Uses

Young shoots - cooked[].

Seed - used as a cereal[]. The seed is neither regularly nor abundantly produced.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

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

Propagation

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.