5 Unique Characteristics of Bamboo, use and Its Benefits

Bamboo is not a tree, it is actually a type of giant grass. It belongs to the grass family Poaceae and the subfamily Bambusoideae. Bamboo is an evergreen and perennial plant, which means it remains green throughout the year and lives for many years. Some bamboo species can grow extremely tall. The tallest bamboo can reach up to 46 meters (151 feet) in height and can be as thick as 36 cm (14 inches).

Characteristics of Bamboo

1. Rapid Growth –  Among the world's most rapidly developing plants is bamboo. In a single day, certain species can reach 91 cm (36 inches) in length.

2. Structure – Bamboo stems are called culms. These culms are usually hollow inside and divided into sections called internodes.

3. Strength – Bamboo is light in weight but very strong. Its strength-to-weight ratio is similar to wood, so it is useful for construction.

4. Life Span – Each bamboo culm (stem) lives for about 5 to 7 years.

5. Flowering – Bamboo flowers are very rare. Some species flower only once in 65–120 years. After flowering, the plant often dies.

Where Bamboo is Found

• Bamboo mainly grows in Asia, especially in India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

• It is also found in parts of Africa and South America.

• Bamboo prefers warm tropical and subtropical climates, but some species also grow in cooler mountain regions.

Uses of Bamboo

1. Construction –

   • Houses, huts, fences, scaffolding, and bridges.

   • In countries like India and China, bamboo is used widely for building.

2. Food –

   • Young bamboo shoots are eaten as vegetables.

   • They are used in curries, pickles, soups, and traditional dishes.

   • Pandas, red pandas, and lemurs depend heavily on bamboo for food.

3. Paper and Textiles –

   • Bamboo is used in papermaking.

   • Bamboo fibers are also used in fabrics, bedsheets, and clothes.

4. Other Uses –

   • Making furniture, mats, baskets, musical instruments, chopsticks, utensils, and handicrafts.

   • Bamboo charcoal is used as fuel.

   • It is also used in medicine and traditional culture.

Environmental Importance

• Bamboo helps in controlling soil erosion because its roots hold the soil tightly.

• It absorbs large amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air, so it helps fight climate change.

• It grows quickly even on poor quality soil, so it is good for afforestation.

Fun Facts

• The giant panda eats almost only bamboo, about 99% of its diet.

• Bamboo is considered a symbol of friendship in India and a symbol of strength and uprightness in China.

• Bamboo has survived even extreme conditions like the atomic bomb in Hiroshima (1945).