Bamboo
Bamboo
By: Casey Arakaki
Period 2
Introduction
Worldwide there are well over 1,000 different species, with several hundred available in the United States. They range from groundcover bamboo that will reach several inches at maturity to giant bamboo that can reach over 100 inches in the tropics and from quick-spreading species to clumping types of bamboo that expand outward only a few inches a year. Some types of bamboo thrive in hot, humid rainforests while others are cold hardy, surviving in temperatures as low as –20 degrees. Bamboo comes in many colors, sizes, and textures. Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the true grass family and has many different species. It is native to most parts of the world, including the U.S.A. Canebrake, as it is called in the Southeast, is the only bamboo that is native to the continental U.S. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant. Some varieties can send new shoots up out of the ground at a rate of over 1 foot per day.
History and Origin
What was once a symbol of the Orient, bamboo now has a reputation as the mediator between the strength of hardwood and the sustainability of grass. This woody grass currently grows throughout the world, but the origin of bamboo is believed to be ancient China. Bamboo is finally being utilized in all walks of life. From dishware to clothing, you can find a bamboo alternative in almost every industry. Bamboo was first found and used in China more than 5000 years ago, which is why the woody plant conjures up images of pandas eating shoots and leaves. Even though its many uses are only just becoming widely known, the bamboo plant as an alternative material began long before “going green” became a trend. The history of bamboo is most significant for many Asian countries and it is said to be good luck in Asian cultures.
Taxonomic and Morphological Characteristics/Features
More than 70 genera are divided into about 1,450 species. Bamboo species are found in
By: Casey Arakaki
Period 2
Introduction
Worldwide there are well over 1,000 different species, with several hundred available in the United States. They range from groundcover bamboo that will reach several inches at maturity to giant bamboo that can reach over 100 inches in the tropics and from quick-spreading species to clumping types of bamboo that expand outward only a few inches a year. Some types of bamboo thrive in hot, humid rainforests while others are cold hardy, surviving in temperatures as low as –20 degrees. Bamboo comes in many colors, sizes, and textures. Bamboo is a group of perennial evergreens in the true grass family and has many different species. It is native to most parts of the world, including the U.S.A. Canebrake, as it is called in the Southeast, is the only bamboo that is native to the continental U.S. Bamboo is the fastest growing plant. Some varieties can send new shoots up out of the ground at a rate of over 1 foot per day.
History and Origin
What was once a symbol of the Orient, bamboo now has a reputation as the mediator between the strength of hardwood and the sustainability of grass. This woody grass currently grows throughout the world, but the origin of bamboo is believed to be ancient China. Bamboo is finally being utilized in all walks of life. From dishware to clothing, you can find a bamboo alternative in almost every industry. Bamboo was first found and used in China more than 5000 years ago, which is why the woody plant conjures up images of pandas eating shoots and leaves. Even though its many uses are only just becoming widely known, the bamboo plant as an alternative material began long before “going green” became a trend. The history of bamboo is most significant for many Asian countries and it is said to be good luck in Asian cultures.
Taxonomic and Morphological Characteristics/Features
More than 70 genera are divided into about 1,450 species. Bamboo species are found in