"Ruscus-leaf bamboo "

Description

Shibataea kumasaca, the ruscus-leaf bamboo or ruscus bamboo, is a species of flowering plant in the grass family, native to mountain slopes in Fujian and Zhejiang provinces in China, and widely cultivated elsewhere. Growing to 1.5 m (4.9 ft) tall, it is a compact, clump-forming evergreen bamboo. In the UK it has gained the Royal Horticultural Society’s Award of Garden Merit.As with other cultivated bamboos it can become invasive in favourable conditions, via its creeping rootstock. Two groups around the world have different beliefs about the correct name of this species. Some cite Japanese origins with the correct name being Shibataea kumasasa. Another group refers to it as Shibataea kumasaca, the Latinized name. Taxonomic authorities have yet to settle the issue. Shibataea is a genus of Chinese bamboos in the grass family. They are unique shorter bamboos with dark green leaves. This genus is more closely related to the genus Phyllostachys than other small bamboos. Excellent as tall groundcover or short hedges, they are especially suited to climates similar to the Pacific Northwest since they dislike dry climates. They not do well with alkaline or water-logged soil. They need acidic conditions to prevent leaf burn. They are sometimes called ruscus-leaved bamboo, as the shape of the leaves resembles that of the genus Ruscus. These bamboos are very resistant to bamboo mites. They are used to make canes.