This character represents ‘bamboo,’ as you might already know. The shape is simply the plant itself!.
地面からすくすくと育ち、左右に葉を茂らせている「竹（たけ）」の姿をそのままかたどって作られた漢字です。
Words & Phrases
- 竹馬の友（Chikuba no tomo）:A close childhood friend with whom one shared youth and played together, literally referencing the days of riding bamboo stilts.