Bamboo: The Fastest Growing Woody Plant In The World

By Ashleigh Smith

Bamboo is one of the most easily identifiable plants around the world. Its distinct internode segments give it a unique look ideal for both interior and outdoor ornamental use. It is not only nice to look at, but is incredibly useful in many forms.

Did you know bamboo can be made into sturdy furniture, construction materials, clothing, and used for improving soil structure. As I have spent the past few weeks here in Nicaragua I have been noticing just how used bamboo is around me. I am reminded of its strength each day as I see it used in our roofing structure.

If you enjoy using plant based products wherever you can, I would recommend looking into the variety of uses bamboo has. Contrary to popular belief not all bamboo is the same. Depending on what you want to use it for, some types will be a better suited for you. The main categories are running and clumping.

Running varieties are connected via a rhizome root system. This means that new shoots are sent out causing the plant to spread quickly. This type can also be extremely hard to control. If you want to remove the plant you will need to remove all of the rhizome runners. Even a portion left behind will leave you a spreading bamboo trail. Runner type bamboo is quick to get out of hand due to bamboo's quick growing nature.

Clumping bamboo is well named as it grows in definitive clumps rather than spreading. This type is ideal for the home grower as it is often used in ornamental landscape designs.