Bamboo is a member of
the grass family, and classified as a perennial. Though it is a member of the grass family,
bamboo is further broken down by the types of roots each individual species has.
Bamboo varies in its
sizes and colors, and most kinds can grow up to 60cm in height, though some species have been
recorded to grow over 100 foot tall. It is versatile, growing in many climates such as
mountains, tropical regions, and even in private homes in the United States. Bamboo usually
grows in bundles, and mature in the form of hollow shoots.
The Giant Bamboo is
classified as the largest member of the grass family. Each bamboo species varies in its
flowering habits; some species bloom rather frequently, while others can take years in between
blooms.
Bamboo
is used in a variety of ways, and is an economic sensation in Eastern Asia, as well as the rest of the
world.
Bamboo
is used for building materials, weaving, bath
mats, fabrics such as shower
curtains, pen making, fences, musical instruments, and even used to build boats and rafts. In the
United States it is commonly used for decorating, as well as in more and more clothing, such as bamboo pajamas.
Bamboo
is also an environmental asset to the Giant Panda is Asia, with its leaves and shoots taking up about 99% of the
animal’s diet. Bamboo is a large part of Asian culture, ranging from heavy use in the economy, to medicine and
hobbies.
Bamboo
is famous for its growth rate. With ample water and lots of sun, bamboo can grow quickly and sometimes overtake
its surroundings. Some even find it necessary to plant barriers in the soil around their domestic bamboo to keep
it in check. It is a beautiful plant, but can sometimes be aggressive and its growth rate can make it
overwhelming to neighboring plants.