The Versatility of Bamboo
Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that is used in a variety of ways.bambus It is versatile and a favorite with gardeners and homeowners.bambus It has over 1,000 varieties and is a popular plant in many homes, offices and even hotels because it is evergreen, hearty and can stand up to cold as well as heat.bambus This plant is an excellent alternative to wood because it can be harvested at any time and it regenerates quickly, making it a good choice for eco-friendly projects. Bamboo is often used in the construction of buildings, furniture and flooring, and it has a high strength-to-weight ratio. It is also very durable and has a beautiful green color that compliments many other plants.
In the wild, bamboo grows in a wide range of climates from cool temperate to tropical.bambus Most bamboos grow rapidly and are usually dense, forming tall stalks called culms or canes that can reach 50 meters (160 ft) in height or more.bambus Most bamboos are deciduous but a few species remain evergreen.bambus In the North American region, most bamboos grow in USDA plant hardiness zones 6 and 7. Bamboo plants are very hardy, and they tend to survive freezing temperatures without damage. However, in the coldest climates, bamboos typically defoliate or even die back to their rhizomes and reappear the following spring.
Some bamboo species flower, but the frequency of this varies from species to species.bambus Some species of bamboo flower only once during their life and produce no fruit, but other species exhibit mass flowering or gregarious flowering in which all of the culms in a "cohort" flowers at the same time.bambus In some cases, this grouping may last for as long as 65 or 120 years.bambus
The approximately 1,000 species of bambusa are primarily divided into two groups, those that grow in clumps and those that spread by their rhizomes.bambus bambus Clumping bamboos develop slowly and are relatively easy to control, whereas running bamboos have long underground rhizomes that sprout new culms on top of the ground, allowing them to spread rapidly.bambus Some running bamboos are considered invasive, while clumping bamboos are usually far less so.
In general, bamboos have a very high moisture content and have a soft, porous structure that can be very sensitive to frost and drought.bambus However, in very mild climates such as the ones found in the Western United States, bamboos are not very susceptible to frost and can be cultivated in almost any landscape site with some protection from the cold.bambus
In addition, bamboos are relatively resistant to insects and diseases.bambus bambus The most serious pests are the aphid, fungus and bamboo leafminer, all of which can be controlled by proper planting and cultural practices.bambus Contact dermatitis from bamboo leaves and culms can sometimes occur in people with sensitized skin, and the plant is known to cause respiratory allergies in some individuals. The allergic reaction appears to be immunoglobulin E-mediated and is probably triggered by phenolic compounds in the leaves or spores of the plant.