Do you know that bamboo is the fastest growing plant with more than 1000 species worldwide? Amazed? Yes! Bamboo has this magical growth. In recent years a lot of studies have been carried out on the plant and it opened up new pandora boxes full of surprises about bamboo plant growth, its benefits, its various species, and its environment-friendly uses.
Mainly there are two types of bamboo; invasive bamboo and non-invasive bamboo. The invasive bamboo type proliferates and spreads quickly through its vertical root system. It is also referred to as ineradicable because it spreads on a large land quickly. The non-invasive type has its roots deep into the earth and grows horizontally. It does not grow as speedily as the invasive type.
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth. But how fast? The answer will surprise you. Let’s explore.
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Bamboo Plantation
Bamboo is known as a plant but in reality, it is a type of grass, a very fast-growing giant grass. However, it is useful for its adaptability. You will be flabbergasted to know that it is used in construction materials, food, paper, clothing, and medicines. The more closely you observe the plant the more it will astound you.
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant with its capacity to produce 35% oxygen more than normal trees and so absorbs more CO2. Bamboo species grow from a height of 3 to 30 meters with varying colors and shapes. Bamboo is the strongest and fastest growing plant even harder than soft steel.
Southeast Asia, Europe, and Antarctica are popular places for bamboo growth. Though vast lands are considered ideal for growing this plant you can grow it in your garden too. Additionally, you can use this woody grass to decorate your balconies.
Underground Development
Do you know that bamboos not only grow vertically, you will be astonished to know they can grow underground too? Some species of bamboo grow twisting roots and stems underground so fast that they can destroy your land and property.
During the growth period, a new bamboo shoot starts growing and gets its full height in 2 to 3 months.
Planting bamboo is an amazing experience as every year culms double in diameter as well in height.
- Clumping bamboo does not spread but only the diameter of the clumps expands each year.
- Running bamboo could be dangerous for your garden or property as its roots spread in the ground quickly taking up all the space. It is only ideal for those areas where space is no issue.
Mind-Blowing Growth Rate of Bamboo
Though it is the fastest-growing plant on earth however its growth varies in different species, consider the speed of 91 cm of growth rate per day, which is equal to 20 feet per week. It’s surprising! Isn’t it?
- Giant bamboo will surprise you by growing at the speed of 9 inches per day resulting in towering high within a single season. Can you imagine a height of 100 feet per season?
- Clumping bamboo grows at a moderate pace of 1 to 2 feet per year. You can see the difference in growth rate in different types of bamboo.
- Running bamboo, as the name suggests, grows 5 feet per year and spreads up to 20 feet from its original point.
- Bamboo growing in houses grows at a slow speed of 1 to 3 inches per year.
- Black bamboo with dark canes grows 1 to 2 feet per year. It is famous for its dark canes.
Bamboo will never stop surprising you. Bamboo growth varies with the day and night change as some species grow more rapidly during the day and some are prone to night growth. Most running bamboos grow fast during the day, while the clumping bamboos grow fast at night.
Astounding utilities of Bamboo
You see bamboo is the fastest growing plant with its different types. Bamboo has a lot of beneficial uses for its rapid growth and strong canes.
- Bamboo is an eminent source of timber for its durability and strength. It is used in building materials such as flooring, fences, ceilings, bench tops, and screening.
- You will be surprised to know that various bamboo species produce edible shoots, some of which are naturally sweet and others tasteless. In addition, bamboo shoots are used in curries and other dishes in Asian countries; Thailand, China, and Japan.
- Bamboo plants barricade winds, erosions, and noise. Its strong and sky-high stems help to stand as a barrier in the way of strong winds and help to hold the soil together, resulting in erosion control.
- Have you ever passed through a path with bamboo on both sides? It is a proven study that grooves of bamboo help in controlling noise and thus result in a calm and sound environment.
- The fastest-growing plant is eco-friendly as it produces 35% more oxygen than normal trees and thus absorbs a high range of CO2. You can say that bamboo works as a climate purifier by producing such an amount of oxygen.
Bottom Lines
Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth. Under ideal conditions, bamboo can grow at its natural speed and that is mind-blowing. Some bamboo species grow 1.5 inches per hour, others 35 to 40 inches per day. A bamboo tree can grow 1000 feet tall if provided with the proper conditions like land, space, and environment.
In the above article, a deep discussion on bamboo plantation and bamboo as the fastest-growing plant on earth has been carried out. How far was this useful for you?
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