More on Bamboo .... The Plant
What makes this plant such a wonderful substance?
To start, bamboo grows fast, really fast, in fact bamboo is the fastest growing plant on earth. It grows at an amazing rate, 2 inches per hour, and can grow at altitudes as high as 12000 feet (3657 m) and as low as sea level.
Bamboo actually grows on every continent in the world and there are more than 1500 species. Bamboo can survive on as little as 30 inches to as much as 250 inches of rainfall per year. Bamboo stalks actually reach maturity in just 3 to 5 years where as most commercial tree species take 25 to 60 years to reach maturity, which allows it to be easily replenished.
Also since everybody likes to breath, a bamboo grove releases 35% more oxygen than the same size stand of trees. That’s more O2 for everyone to breathe including all the animals such as the Giant Panda; that love to chomp on its leaves.
Another reason to love bamboo is that it grows an amazing root system. The roots help prevent soil erosion when the heavy rain pours down in many countries around the world. In places that have been clear cut of trees the soil erodes and washes away without the tree roots to hold the ground in place. In fact, with regards to water, bamboo keeps twice as much water in the watershed than commercial trees, often eliminating the need for irrigation and sprinkler systems. This is why Bamboo can grow very well in many different conditions. So, plant a bamboo tree and make the make the earth and soil happy.
Bamboo is kind of an environmental healer of sorts. It's not afraid of growing in desolate landscapes with damaged soil. It can be overgrazed by animals such as sheep, cows or goats. If you plant some, it will help bring back the soil. It will produce a crop every year; just a single clump can over 200 poles. If you harvest the bamboo with love and affection, the roots not only live, they sprout new shoots again and again. The topsoil stays intact and the land and earth are happy.
Some Famous Quotes for Your Enjoyment
Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.
Bruce Lee
“The taller the bamboo grows, the lower it bends.”
Ancient Chinese Proverb
“Fat tissue is the bamboo of human tissue. They're in abundance, replenishable and easily acquired.”
Adam Katz