Shibataea kumasasa

Shibataea kumasasa is a small evergreen bamboo in the grass family, Poaceae. It comes from southeastern China and western Kyushu in Japan. Its common names include ruscus bamboo and zig-zag bamboo. It grows in woods within a temperate climate. The plant forms low, upright clumps that spread with time. Growth is slow, and the overall shape is rounded.

In gardens, it reaches 2–4 feet [0.61–1.22 metres] tall. Its spread can reach 7–15 feet [2.13–4.57 metres]. This makes it much wider than it is tall. The canes are reddish brown and bend between the leaf joints. Dark green leaves grow alternately along them in a zig-zag pattern. Each simple leaf has a smooth edge and no hairs. The leaves are short and broad, with a lanceolate outline. Their tips may dry and wither. Pale, dry leaf sheaths stay attached to the stems. Old leaves tend to stay flat rather than curl.

Flowers appear only after gaps of many years. Seed production can drain much of the plant's strength. Some plants die after flowering, while others recover over several years. They may look poor throughout that recovery. Seed is therefore scarce for growers who wish to raise plants. Spring division offers another way to grow new plants. Divisions should include at least three canes, with little root disturbance.

Light to deep shade suits this bamboo best. It also grows in dappled light and partial shade. Give it moist, humus-rich soil that drains well. It accepts clay, loam, or sand under suitable watering and drainage. Acid to neutral soil suits it. Dry soil can badly harm fresh spring growth. Established plants can withstand drought, despite their preference for damp ground. North Carolina Extension lists USDA zones 6–9. Plants For A Future reports cold tolerance near −23°C.

The evergreen leaves bring green cover to shaded gardens all year. Gardeners use it for ground cover, borders, and low hedges. It also suits containers or planting as a single specimen. Its broad spread needs space despite its short height. North Carolina Extension describes it as low maintenance and resistant to bamboo mites. Plants For A Future also reports resistance to honey fungus. That source records no known edible or medicinal uses. It lists no known hazards, but this does not establish food safety.