Walking Stick Bamboo Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda
ABOUT
Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda, commonly known as the Walking Stick Bamboo, is characterized by its distinctively arching, elegant canes, which give it a graceful appearance. The greenish canes have a unique feature - they develop unusual, pronounced nodes that are swollen and look somewhat like they have been inflated, contributing to its common name as these nodes resemble the handles of walking sticks. This trait is more pronounced in the lower parts of the canes, creating a very ornamental look. The leaves of Walking Stick Bamboo are narrow and elongated, with a smooth texture and a deep green color, complementing the overall lush appearance of the plant. They grow in clusters, providing a dense foliage that rustles pleasantly in the breeze. Given the right conditions, the leaves maintain their vibrant color throughout the year, rarely showing signs of color change. Walking Stick Bamboo often produces a dense clump of canes, giving it a bushy, compact look from distance, which is further accentuated by its foliage. In spring, new shoots emerge from the ground near the existing clumps, contributing to the plant's expansion and adding to its visual interest with their fresh color and texture. The appearance of Walking Stick Bamboo makes it a popular choice for gardeners looking to add an oriental or tropical touch to their landscapes, as well as a natural choice for themed gardens or as a striking standalone feature.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Poaceae.
Synonyms
Walking Stick Bamboo, Jin Chiku.
Common names
Chimonobambusa tumidinoda, Oreocalamus tumidinodus, Qiongzhuea tumidinoda
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Walking Stick Bamboo (Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda) is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. There is limited information suggesting that it is poisonous. However, as a general rule, it is not advisable to ingest parts of ornamental plants due to potential adverse reactions or the presence of compounds that may not be well-documented. If a person has ingested Walking Stick Bamboo and is experiencing symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical advice.
To pets
Walking Stick Bamboo (Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda) is not commonly known to be toxic to pets. There is a lack of significant data reporting its toxicity in domestic animals, and bamboo in general is not typically listed among plants that are hazardous to pets. Nevertheless, ingestion of non-food plants can sometimes cause gastrointestinal upset in animals. If a pet ingests Walking Stick Bamboo and shows signs of distress, a veterinarian should be consulted.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Height
15 feet (4.57 meters)
Spread
10 feet (3.05 meters)
Plant type
Bamboo
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Landscape Ornamentation: Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda, commonly known as the 'Walking Cane Bamboo', is often used in landscapes for its unique aesthetics, particularly its unusually shaped nodes.
- Privacy Screens: This bamboo species can form dense clumps which are effective as privacy screens in gardens and yards.
- Noise Reduction: The dense foliage of Walking Cane Bamboo can help diminish noise pollution, creating a more tranquil garden environment.
- Erosion Control: The extensive root system of this bamboo helps prevent soil erosion, making it useful for stabilizing banks and slopes.
- Windbreaks: Due to its height and density, it can act as a windbreak, protecting smaller plants and reducing wind speeds in cultivated areas.
- Architectural Features: With its distinctive canes, the plant is often used to create naturalistic architectural elements within a garden, such as arbors and trellises.
- Habitat Creation: Walking Cane Bamboo can provide habitat for wildlife, including birds and beneficial insects, which use the plant for shelter and food.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda extracts may be used to alleviate inflammation.
- Analgesic: Traditional use suggests some extracts of the plant could have pain-relieving properties.
- Antipyretic: There may be compounds in the plant that can help reduce fever, according to folk medicine practices.
- Antibacterial: Some parts of the plant might contain substances with antibacterial activity, potentially useful in treating infections.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda, commonly known as Walking Stick Bamboo, can be used in the construction of musical instruments such as flutes and rainsticks, due to its hollow canes that resonate sound.
- The canes of Walking Stick Bamboo are ideal for making lightweight furniture, including chairs, tables, and shelving, contributing to its value in sustainable design practices.
- Its durability and flexibility allow Walking Stick Bamboo to be employed in crafting traditional fishing rods, which are appreciated for their natural aesthetic.
- The plant is often used in ornamental landscaping, providing a unique visual texture and structure to gardens and parks because of its peculiar node swellings.
- Walking Stick Bamboo can be woven into decorative baskets and mats, showcasing intricate patterns and the natural beauty of bamboo.
- Its strong and flexible culms are used in making garden trellises and supports for climbing plants, offering both functionality and an exotic appeal.
- The smooth and solid poles of Walking Stick Bamboo serve well as natural curtain rods or room dividers, giving an organic and rustic touch to interior spaces.
- Artists and craftsmen use pieces of this bamboo to carve and create artwork, sculptures, and other ornamental items.
- Due to its unique appearance, Walking Stick Bamboo can also be used in thematic displays or as part of set designs in theatre and film production.
- The canes are utilized in the manufacture of traditional wind chimes, creating soothing tones when struck by the breeze.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Walking Stick Bamboo is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe plant Walking Stick Bamboo is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience and Flexibility: As a species of bamboo, Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda, commonly known as the "Walking Stick Bamboo," symbolizes resilience and flexibility. Bamboos are known for their ability to bend in strong winds without breaking, representing the capacity to adapt to challenging circumstances while maintaining one's integrity.
- Longevity: Walking Stick Bamboo also represents longevity due to its perennial nature and long life cycle, which can mirror a human’s desire for a long and healthy life.
- Good Fortune: In many East Asian cultures, bamboo is considered lucky, and by extension, Walking Stick Bamboo could be associated with good fortune and prosperity.
- Growth and Upward Mobility: The quick-growing nature of bamboos allows them to reach for the skies, symbolizing rapid growth and the pursuit of upward mobility, both personally and professionally.
WaterThe plant commonly known as Walking Stick Bamboo prefers consistent moisture without being waterlogged. It should be watered deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water each time, ensuring the soil is moist but not soggy. During hot, dry periods, you may need to water it more frequently, especially if it's planted in a container. In cooler seasons or when rainfall is sufficient, watering can be reduced. It's important to have well-draining soil to prevent root rot.
LightWalking Stick Bamboo thrives best in partial shade conditions but can tolerate full sun if it receives adequate moisture. The ideal location is under the canopy of taller trees where it can receive dappled sunlight for most of the day. If grown indoors, it should be placed near a window that offers bright, indirect light to simulate its natural growing conditions.
TemperatureWalking Stick Bamboo does well in a temperature range of 30°F to 85°F. It can survive the occasional dip in temperature down to about 15°F for short periods but prefers the warmer end of its range for optimal growth. Ideal conditions mimic its native environment, which is warm and fairly consistent in temperature, avoiding extremes.
PruningPruning Walking Stick Bamboo is done to manage size, shape, and to remove any weak or dead culms. Prune in late winter or early spring before new shoots emerge for the best results. It doesn't require frequent pruning; once a year is typically sufficient. When pruning, always use clean, sharp tools and cut just above a node.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Walking Stick Bamboo prefers a rich, well-draining soil mix with ample organic matter. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH, between 6.0 and 7.0, for optimal growth. A mix consisting of loamy soil, compost, and perlite or sand to enhance drainage would be ideal for this bamboo.
RepottingWalking Stick Bamboo should generally be repotted every two to three years to ensure it has enough room to grow and to refresh the soil. However, as a running bamboo, it can quickly outgrow containers, so monitoring root development is key to determining repotting frequency.
Humidity & MistingWalking Stick Bamboo thrives in moderate to high humidity conditions. The ideal humidity level for this plant ranges from 40% to 60%. It's important to maintain consistent humidity for the health of the plant, especially if grown indoors.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Keep in well-lit room & maintain high humidity for Walking Stick Bamboo.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, ensure moist soil for Walking Stick Bamboo.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleChimonobambusa tumidissinoda, commonly known as Walking Stick Bamboo, begins its life cycle as a seed, which germinates in moist soil to produce a seedling with the typical grass-like cotyledon. The seedling then develops into a juvenile plant or culm, which is characterized by rapid vertical growth and the production of branches and leaves. As it matures, the culm hardens and lignifies, becoming the familiar woody bamboo stem. Walking Stick Bamboo can also propagate vegetatively through rhizomes, which spread horizontally underground and produce new culms at varying distances from the parent plant. This bamboo flowers infrequently, often with many years between flowering events, and after flowering, it can produce seeds before the entire grove may die off. However, due to its rhizomatous nature, new plants continue the life cycle by emerging from the surviving rhizomes.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method for propagating the Chinese Walking Stick bamboo, or Chimonobambusa tumidissinoda, is through division. This is typically done in the spring or early fall. Dividing bamboo involves digging up a healthy, mature clump of the plant and carefully separating it into smaller sections. Each section should have at least one to two culms (stalks) and an adequate root mass. These divisions can then be replanted at the same depth they were originally growing. The soil should be well-watering to help establish the new plants. It's important to keep the new bamboo divisions well-hydrated until they develop a strong root system.
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