qen
קנ
'qen' means “cane”, as in sugar cane, bamboo, or papyrus.
'qen' is also cognate with the English word “cane” which derives from Old French “cane”, in turn deriving from from Latin “canna”, from Ancient Greek “κάννα”, from Aramaic “qanhā/qanyā” and from Akkadian “qanû” meaning 'reed' or 'tube made from a reed.
Despite the very obvious and clear etymology, the traditional biblical interpretation of 'qen' is “branches”. This interpretation directly opposes the primary characteristic of canes and other reeds; these plants are essentially large grasses which lack branches and instead take the form of a long straight rod with a few leaves.
Most instances occur in the context of the plans for the Tabernacle in the book of Exodus.
Genesis 41 twice mentions rather cryptically “seven canes ascending”. It is possible that the tarot suit “wands” or “batons” are actually “canes”.
Note that the staff of Moses and Rod of Aaron are a different word, מטה mefeh
LexID 7070