SafePlants

Chusquea montana: Argentina Mountain Bamboo

Chusquea montana, commonly known as Argentina mountain bamboo, is a species of bamboo native to the mountainous regions of Argentina and Chile.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant is a type of bamboo, often featuring multiple canes.

Considerations for Children

• This plant is a type of bamboo, often featuring multiple canes.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Chusquea montana Phil.
• Common Names: Argentina mountain bamboo, Colihe, Tihuen
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Sometimes identified as Chusquea argentina.
• Nomenclatural Reference: Linnaea 33: 298. 1864.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Andes Mountains in Argentina and Chile.
• Found in Patagonian regions.
• Grows in sub-alpine environments and moist montane forests.
• Frequently found on mountain slopes and in bamboo forests alongside trees like Coihue.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Graminoid growth habit.
• Clumping bamboo, specifically a small clumping sub-alpine bamboo.
• Grows to a height of 2-3 meters.
• Medium growth rate.

Ecological Role

• Forms thickets.
• Provides habitat for animals like the Monito del monte (a marsupial also known as the "mountain monkey").
• Seed abundance can trigger rodent outbreaks.

Growing Conditions

• Prefers full sun (Sole pieno).
• Rustic and can be grown outside in Mediterranean climates.
• Young plants can't withstand cold weather during the spring.

Quirky Facts

• Bamboo from this region is used to create sustainable bicycles ("Bamboo-bikes").

Further Information

• USDA PLANTS database.
• Dave's Garden (for gardening tips and ideas).
• ARKive (for information on the Monito del monte).
• Bamboo Garden, USA (source of seeds from flowering plants).