Bamboo is the plant with the highest growth rate in the world, reportedly growing 100 cm (39 in) in 24 hours. [5] However, this growth rate is largely determined by local soil conditions, climate and species type. The most common growth rate is about 3–10 cm (1.2–3.9 in) per day. Bamboo grew on a large scale in the Cretaceous period , in the region now called Asia. Some of the largest bamboo species can grow to exceed 30 m (98 ft) in height, and can reach stem diameters of 15–20 cm (5.9–7.9 in). However, certain species can only grow to a height of a few inches.
Bamboo belongs to the grass family, which may explain why bamboo has such a high growth rate. This means that when bamboo is harvested, it will grow back quickly without disturbing the ecosystem. Unlike trees, bamboo stems emerge from the surface with their full diameter and grow to their maximum height in one growing season (about 3 to 4 months). During these few months, every shoot that appears will grow vertically without growing branches until maturity is reached. Then, branches grow from the nodes and leaves appear. In the following year, the stem walls containing the pulp will harden. In the third year, the stems harden further. Until the fifth year, fungi can grow on the outside of the stem and penetrate inside and rot the stem. Up to the eighth year (depending on the species), fungal growth will cause the bamboo culms to rot and collapse. This shows that bamboo is best harvested when it is between three and seven years old. Bamboo will not grow taller or expand its stem after the first year, and bamboo that has fallen or been harvested will not be replaced by new bamboo shoots where it once grew.
Many tropical bamboo species will die at temperatures near freezing, while some bamboos in temperate climates can survive temperatures down to −29 °C (−20 °F). Some cold-resistant bamboo can survive up to zones 5-6 in the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones category, although eventually they will shed their leaves and stop growth, but the rhizomes will survive and grow new bamboo shoots the following spring.
Bamboo of the genus Phyllostachys is categorized as an invasive species in the United States and buying and selling or propagating it is illegal.
The part of bamboo that is edible and nutritious is bamboo shoots . The various contents of bamboo include vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin B6, thiamin, riboflavin, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, manganese and other important minerals. But remember, raw bamboo contains toxins that are dangerous to humans. So before consuming it, bamboo needs to be cut and boiled in salted water first. After boiling the bamboo shoots for at least 20 minutes, you can peel the leaves and soak the soft bamboo shoots in water for 30 minutes. After that, the bamboo is ready to be cooked or stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Here are some of the benefits of bamboo shoots for body health.