Bamboo species have nearly a worldwide distribution, with Europe and Antarctica the only continents that do not have native bamboo species. Taxonomically, bamboo is classified in the grass family (Poacea) and is represented by more than 1,000 species and 91 genera. Taken together, bamboo is recognized as the fastestgrowing woody, evergreen, perennial plant.
Depending on the species and growing climate, bamboo can grow from 6 inches to more than 25 feet tall. Bamboo leaves are longer than they are wide, have pointed ends and are arranged singly along the leaf stem. Culms (or stems) can reach diameters of more than 8 inches. The hollow stems have distinctive swellings encircling the entire stem. Bamboo species rarely flower, so division and spread occur primarily through expansion of rhizomes (underground stems). Some bamboo species live more than 100 years between flowerings, and then die following seed production. Flower appearance varies between species, ranging from purple panicles similar to Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) to spikelets similar to bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon).
While bamboos tend to be famous for their aggressive habits, not all bamboos are considered invasive. Some plant forms are bunch types, while others are running types. Bunch types spread gradually from the center just like any other bunch grass and are therefore easily managed. Running bamboos are considered the most invasive form, as their rhizomes can run between 20 to 30 feet underground before sprouting.
There are three species of bamboos native to North America: rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea), hill cane (A. appalachiana) and switch cane (A. tecta). Younger stems of native bamboos can be distinguished from invasive bamboos, as stems on native species have a flat side (like a D in cross-section)
As early as more than 10,000 years ago, bamboo established a close relationship with human beings and entered human life. It is full of treasures, and its stalks can be used to build houses to shelter people from wind and rain; to make bamboo rafts, bamboo bridges and boat canopies to bring convenience to people’s travel; to make furniture, farm tools, and living utensils to facilitate people’s lives.
Bamboo has many uses. The finished bamboo can be used as building materials, and can also be used to make bamboo mats, bamboo curtains, bamboo umbrellas, bamboo baskets, handicrafts, etc. These are very common in daily life and have a wide range of uses. Bamboo can also be processed into bamboo charcoal, which is used to prevent bacteria and regulate humidity. Bamboo also has medicinal value.
Advantages of bamboo products:
1. Prevent rheumatoid arthritis. Bamboo has the ability to automatically adjust and maintain temperature. It does not generate heat or heat, and is warm in winter and cool in summer.
2. Healthy eyesight. The texture of bamboo has the function of absorbing ultraviolet rays. The color is elegant, soft and warm, which is beneficial to human vision and can reduce the occurrence of myopia.
3. Reduce noise. Bamboo itself has the functions of sound absorption, sound insulation, reduction of sound pressure, and shortening of residual sound time.
4. Avoid allergic asthma. After the bamboo is cooked at high temperature, bleached and carbonized, all nutrients in the bamboo fiber are removed, and the living conditions of moths and bacteria are completely destroyed, no mildew occurs, and the occurrence of asthma and allergies can be reduced.
To sum up, bamboo has important ecological, economic and cultural values, and is closely related to people’s clothing, food, housing and transportation. We should live in harmony with it and write a new chapter of human civilization in the new era together.
Post time: Jul-20-2023