Bamboo is a fascinating plant that belongs to the grass family Poaceae. It is one of the fastest growing plants in the world, with some species reaching up to 36 inches in a single day. Bamboo has a unique root system that consists of underground stems called rhizomes, which can spread horizontally or vertically and produce new shoots. Bamboo can be divided into two main types: clumping and running. Clumping bamboo grows in dense tufts and tends to be shorter and more manageable, while running bamboo spreads rapidly and can form large groves.
Bamboo has many uses, both ornamental and practical. It can be grown as a hedge, a screen, a specimen plant, or a container plant. It can also be harvested for its culms, which are the hollow and round stalks that support the leaves. Bamboo culms are strong, flexible, and versatile, and can be used for making furniture, crafts, musical instruments, scaffolding, flooring, paper, and more. Bamboo is also an important source of food for humans and animals, as its young shoots are edible and nutritious.
There are over 1,000 species of bamboo in the world, distributed across tropical and temperate regions. They vary in size, shape, color, and habit. Some are dwarf and suitable for indoors, while others are giant and can reach over 100 feet tall. Some have green culms, while others have yellow, black, or striped culms. Some have solid culms, while others have hollow or chambered culms. Some have straight culms, while others have zigzag or twisted culms.
In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most popular and interesting types of bamboo that you can grow in your home or garden. We will also give you some tips on how to care for them and how to use them for various purposes.
Clumping Bamboo
Clumping bamboo is a type of bamboo that grows from the soil in a slowly expanding tuft. It has short rhizomes that form a tight cluster of culms. Clumping bamboo is easier to control and maintain than running bamboo, as it does not invade other areas or become invasive. Clumping bamboo is also more cold tolerant than running bamboo, as it can survive temperatures as low as 15°F (-9°C). Clumping bamboo is ideal for small spaces, containers, or borders.
Some examples of clumping bamboo are:
• Fargesia - This is a genus of about 50 species of clumping bamboo native to China and Southeast Asia. They are also known as fountain bamboo or umbrella bamboo, because of their graceful arching habit. They have thin and delicate culms that range from green to purple in color. They grow well in partial shade and moist soil. They are hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.
• Bambusa - This is a genus of about 120 species of clumping bamboo native to Asia, Australia, Africa, and America. They are also known as tropical or giant clumping bamboo, because they can grow very tall and thick. They have thick and sturdy culms that range from green to yellow in color. They grow well in full sun and well-drained soil. They are hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11.
• Chusquea - This is a genus of about 160 species of clumping bamboo native to Central and South America. They are also known as solid bamboo or quila, because they have solid or nearly solid culms that are very hard and durable. They have slender and erect culms that range from green to brown in color. They grow well in full sun to partial shade and moist soil. They are hardy to USDA zones 7 to 10.
Running Bamboo
Running bamboo is a type of bamboo that grows from the soil by sending out long horizontal rhizomes that produce new shoots at intervals. It has long rhizomes that can spread far and wide and form large colonies of culms. Running bamboo is harder to control and maintain than clumping bamboo, as it can invade other areas or become invasive. Running bamboo is also less cold tolerant than clumping bamboo, as it can only survive temperatures as low as 20°F (-6°C). Running bamboo is ideal for large spaces, screens, or groves.
Some examples of running bamboo are:
• Phyllostachys - This is a genus of about 75 species of running bamboo native to China and Japan. They are also known as timber or hardy bamboo, because they have thick and strong culms that are used for construction and crafts. They have smooth and straight culms that range from green to yellow to black in color. They grow well in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil. They are hardy to USDA zones 5 to 10.
• Pleioblastus - This is a genus of about 50 species of running bamboo native to Asia. They are also known as dwarf or groundcover bamboo, because they have thin and short culms that form dense mats. They have hairy and zigzag culms that range from green to variegated in color. They grow well in partial shade and moist soil. They are hardy to USDA zones 6 to 9.
• Sasa - This is a genus of about 60 species of running bamboo native to Asia. They are also known as bamboo grass or broadleaf bamboo, because they have wide and flat leaves that resemble grass blades. They have slender and erect culms that range from green to brown in color. They grow well in partial shade and moist soil. They are hardy to USDA zones 5 to 9.
Indoor Bamboo
Indoor bamboo is a type of bamboo that can be grown indoors as a houseplant or a bonsai. It is usually a dwarf or a variegated variety of clumping or running bamboo that has been trained or pruned to fit a small pot or container. Indoor bamboo is easy to care for and can add a touch of greenery and elegance to any room. Indoor bamboo can also bring good luck and prosperity, according to the principles of feng shui.
Some examples of indoor bamboo are:
• Dracaena sanderiana - This is a species of clumping bamboo native to Africa. It is also known as lucky bamboo or ribbon plant, because it has thin and flexible culms that can be twisted or braided into various shapes. It has green or variegated leaves that grow at the tips of the culms. It grows well in indirect light and water. It is hardy to USDA zones 10 to 11.
• Pogonatherum paniceum - This is a species of running bamboo native to Asia. It is also known as baby panda bamboo or pygmy bamboo, because it has tiny and delicate culms that form miniature clumps. It has green or variegated leaves that grow along the culms. It grows well in bright light and moist soil. It is hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11.
• Bambusa multiplex - This is a species of clumping bamboo native to China and Southeast Asia. It is also known as hedge bamboo or Chinese goddess bamboo, because it has thick and bushy culms that form dense hedges. It has green or variegated leaves that grow along the culms. It grows well in bright light and well-drained soil. It is hardy to USDA zones 8 to 11.
Uses of Bamboo
Bamboo is a versatile plant that has many uses, both ornamental and practical. Here are some of the most common uses of bamboo:
• Landscaping - Bamboo can be grown as a hedge, a screen, a specimen plant, or a container plant. It can create privacy, shade, windbreak, or focal point in any garden or landscape. Bamboo can also attract wildlife, such as birds, butterflies, and bees, with its flowers, seeds, and nectar.
• Construction - Bamboo can be harvested for its culms, which are the hollow and round stalks that support the leaves. Bamboo culms are strong, flexible, and versatile, and can be used for making furniture, crafts, musical instruments, scaffolding, flooring, paper, and more. Bamboo culms can also be treated with preservatives or fire retardants to increase their durability and safety.
• Food - Bamboo can be harvested for its young shoots, which are the tender and edible parts that emerge from the soil. Bamboo shoots are nutritious and delicious, and can be eaten raw, cooked, pickled, or fermented. Bamboo shoots can also be used for making vinegar, wine, beer, or tea.
• Medicine - Bamboo can be harvested for its leaves, roots, rhizomes, or sap, which have various medicinal properties. Bamboo leaves can be used for treating fever, cough, asthma, or inflammation. Bamboo roots can be used for treating kidney stones, bladder infections, or diarrhea. Bamboo rhizomes can be used for treating ulcers, wounds, or infections. Bamboo sap can be used for treating skin problems, such as eczema, psoriasis, or acne.
Quotes about Bamboo
Bamboo is not only a useful plant but also a source of inspiration and wisdom for many people. Here are some quotes about bamboo that reflect its beauty and strength:
• "Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked while the bamboo survives by bending with the wind." - Bruce Lee
"The bamboos are among the most beautiful of forest plants and the most useful to man." - David Fairchild
• "Be like a bamboo: the higher you grow, the deeper you bow." - Chinese proverb
• "Bamboo is flexible, bending with the wind but never breaking, capable of adapting to any circumstance." - Ping Fu
• "Bamboo is not a weed, it's a flowering plant. Bamboo is a magnificent plant." - Steve Lacy
Conclusion
Bamboo is a remarkable plant that has many types, varieties, and uses. It can be grown indoors or outdoors, as an ornamental or a practical plant. It can also provide food, medicine, and inspiration for humans and animals. Bamboo is a plant that deserves our respect and appreciation.
