Bamboo

Bamboo is a part of the grass family. The bamboo family has around 1000 species, with some being the largest grasses reaching heights up to 30 m. With a tree like appearance, it is one of the fastest growing plants. Bamboos are mostly round in shape, though some species are square shaped. Structurally, bamboo has a spine surrounding it with stems jointed by nodes bearing evergreen or deciduous leaves. Unlike other grasses, bamboo is extensively branched, with a single stem carrying thousands of branches.

Bamboo is generally found in diverse climates from hot tropical regions to cold mountains and from jungles to high mountainsides. Areas with no native bamboo include Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, North America, most of Australia and Antarctica.

Bamboo is used in building houses, fences, bridges, fuels, utensils, paper, toys, furniture and floors. These days furniture made from bamboo is quite the rage. In early times, China first used bamboo for developing paper. Shakuhachi, a musical instrument is made from bamboo. The sap of the young bamboo tree can be tapped during the rainy season and is used to develop a sweet wine known as Ulanzi. It is also used in some soft drinks.

Decoratively, bamboo has been used for centuries to accent houses and gardens. Bamboo roots spread easily, so it is wise to plant trees away from foundations. Symbolically, in China bamboo means long age, and in India, it is a symbol of friendship. In Japan it is used around shrines to ward off evil spirits.

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