Bambusa vulgaris 'Wamin'

Bamboo Species

13 Oct

Bambusa vulgaris 'Wamin' or Dwarf Buddha Belly Bamboo is a small sized tropical clumping bamboo native to South China. It is a very attractive ornamental with swollen internodes and weeping culms. Its timber is popular for bamboo craft or ornamental pieces.

Plant Info
Scientific Name	Bambusa vulgaris ‘Wamin’
Synonyms	Bambusa wamin
Common Names	Dwarf Buddha Belly Bamboo, Wamin Bamboo
Family	Poaceae
Tribe	Bambuseae
Genus	Bambusa
Height	2-5 m
Diameter	2-7 cm
Growth Habit	Clumping
Color	Dark shiny green
Internodes	10-15 cm. Swollen.
Wall thickness	Thick
Branches	Several or many branches grouped with 1-3 larger branches.
Leaves	15-30 cm long, 20-30 mm wide.
Climate	Tropical - Subtropical
Exposure	Full Sun - Partial Sun
Hardiness	-2°C
Soil	Loamy and alluvial soils, well drained.
Water Needs	Average
Planting Distance	• Every 2 m for screening. • 4 x 4 m for culm production.
Edibility	(0 of 5)
Flowering Cycle	Unknown
Origin	China
Uses	Interior design and crafts, indoor plant in pot or as a solitary ornamental garden plant, living fences, landscaping.

Culms

This species is a small sized graceful bamboo. Culms are loosely tufted, dark shiny green, woody and thick-walled, with an average height between 2-5 m. Internodes are 10-15 cm long of which the lower internodes are shortened and swollen with nodal roots. Lower swollen internodes can be 10-12 cm in diameter.

Branches

Several to many clustered branches with 1-3 larger dominant branches. Branches usually occur over the enitire culm.

Leaves

The leaves of this bamboo are usually between 15-30 cm long and 2-3 cm wide.

Seeds

Data on flowering cycles and seed setting is unknown.

Habitat

Bambusa vulgaris 'Wamin' prefers full sun to partial shade. If grown in deep shade, the nodes won't be as pronounced, as the plant will stretch to reach for the sun. Although the roots are cold hardy, the foliage is frost sensitive and culm damage can result from temperatures below -2°C.