Bamboo is a gigantic tree-like grass, the tallest grass on globe, whose relatives are the familiar wheat, rye, corn and other representatives of the cereal family. In addition, bamboo today is the fastest growing flowering plant, adding from 70 to 100 centimeters or more per day. Bamboos in Vietnam grow up to two meters per day. Can you hear plants growing? Most inhabitants of the Earth will answer this question in the negative. But residents of countries with hot climates, especially Southeast Asia and the Malay Archipelago, will answer that you can hear the growth of bamboo. The appearance of shoots on the soil surface is accompanied by a peculiar dull noise, and sometimes a crackling sound. At the beginning of growth, the bamboo stem gains more than 1 millimeter per minute. But there are 1440 minutes in a day! What allows bamboo to achieve such a truly cosmic growth rate? Take a closer look at its stem, and you will see that it resembles the well-known stem of cereal plants, consisting of thickened nodes in which leaves and internodes are attached. Carefully separate a leaf from a young stem of any cereal and you will see that under the protection of the leaf sheath there is a tender, juicy, sweetish area of the so-called intercalary educational tissue, thanks to which the stem grows in height. Count the number of nodes. It is in them that the stem grows. Bamboo stems can be of varying thickness - from 1 to 30 centimeters or more. An interesting fact is that the size of the stem of a future bamboo plant can be determined even before its germination. To do this, it is enough to rake the ground and, having discovered a growth bud that has formed on the rhizome, measure its diameter. The maximum diameter of the bud will be equal to the maximum thickness of the stem. If you cut a bud lengthwise, you will notice that it, like a telescopic antenna, contains all the nodes of the future stem. The length of the stem will depend on the conditions under which the bud develops. Under favorable conditions, the growth of internodes occurs quickly, and the stem is capable of stretching by 2 meters per day; under unfavorable conditions, growth slows down. The fastest growth occurs in the lowest internodes of bamboo stems. They say that in the countries of Southeast Asia this type of execution of especially dangerous criminals was adopted in ancient times. Above the areas of bamboo rhizomes where the large number buds, or over pre-sown seeds ready for germination, the criminal was tied. The rapidly growing bamboo stalks after some time pierced his entire body like spears with their growing stems, after which a painful death followed. Looking ahead, let's say that bamboo stems are able to grow through fairly thick layers of asphalt and concrete. Bamboo is a collective name for more than 75 (100) genera and 600 species of plants, similar in external structure. Their essential feature is the structure of the leaf, along with a linear or narrow oval blade; the leaf in the lower part does not form a sheath covering the stem, as in most cereals, but turns into a short petiole. In addition, the bamboo stem is capable of branching. These plants are inhabitants not only of tropical regions; there are bamboos that grow here on the island of Sakhalin. Among bamboos, climbing and climbing forms are known. Bamboo growth is limited. Most of them grow within 30-45 days, and the growth of stems occurs continuously throughout the day, while in most trees, shoots grow for about 1 month a year at an average speed of 0.6 mm per day. In such a short period of growth, the stems of certain types of bamboo reach a height of 30, sometimes 46 meters, the diameter of the stem is 25-30 centimeters. There is information that the stem length of bamboo growing on the island of Java reaches 51 meters. The wood of the stem is initially relatively soft, after 2-3 years it matures, acquiring extraordinary strength; at the end of the 3rd year it is usually cut off, leaving younger shoots to ripen. Every year from 1 hectare of plantations, from 9 to 45 thousand stems weighing from 10 to 38 tons are cut. Certain types of bamboo reach maturity, that is, the ability to flower and bear fruit, in 28-60 years. Then the bamboo begins to branch, form a crown of lanceolate leaves and bloom. Flowering and fruiting usually last 2-3 seasons, and sometimes 9 years. At this time a huge number nutrients, stored in the rhizomes, is completely wasted, and the plant dies. Botanists call such plants monocarpics - they bloom and bear fruit once in their life, after which they die. Flowering periods different types bamboo are different, but the most established cycles are 33, 66 and 120 years. It is strictly through these periods that the bamboo dies, developing huge flowering shoots instead of the usual ones. An amazing and still unsolved mystery is that bamboos of the same species, regardless of their location, bloom in the same year when their “blood brothers” bloom in their homeland.
Based on materials from B.D. Alekseeva “Giants and dwarfs of the plant world”
In history class we were told about terrible torture with bamboo in Ancient China. I remember this: they planted bamboo seeds in the ground, then put them on this area tied up man and secured it so that it could not move much. The bamboo began to grow quite rapidly and penetrated the poor fellow's skin. Then I thought, does bamboo really grow that fast?
Bamboo growth rate
It turns out that bamboo is the fastest growing plant. In general, bamboo reaches tens of meters in height, and the trunk diameter is about a meter. The growth rate depends on the specific variety. But on average, the plant usually grows by 10 cm, and many species up to half a meter per day.
In Japan, a special laboratory was able to record a growth record. Just imagine, in one day the plant reached 120 cm in length! The Japanese claim that if you continuously look at a plant, you can easily notice how it grows. I wouldn't mind watching this.
How is bamboo used?
The rapid growth of bamboo is of great importance for humans. After all, the rapid restoration of bamboo groves makes it possible to use this material everywhere without fear of its disappearance. The times of brutal executions are far behind us, so there are many peaceful uses for bamboo:
- In construction: bamboo is an inexpensive and easily accessible material. In Southeast Asia, even entire houses are built from bamboo!
- In food: while the plant is less than 10 cm, it has a pleasant taste and soft consistency. The seeds are thrown into the ground and within a few hours they are harvested.
- In medicine: bamboo is good for teeth and bones; it is actively used in Chinese medicine.
- In production: it produces high-quality furniture, decorative elements and even cases for all sorts of computer gadgets.
- Bamboo is loved by the cutest bears on the planet - pandas.
By the way, in China, bamboo is considered a symbol of longevity, in Japan - the personification of purity, and in India - a sign of friendship. I heard that according to Feng Shui, bamboo brings good luck, so they decorate the living room with beautifully decorated bamboo branches.
Bamboo is one of the fastest growing representatives of the flora. Once upon a time, this property of bamboo was used for torture and execution of criminals.
How fast does bamboo grow?
There are many types of bamboo in the world. Individual specimens of this grass can grow more than 35 meters. This gigantic height is largely due to the growth rate of this plant. On average, in just one day, depending on the variety, bamboo gains from 50 to 100 centimeters.
A unique record was set in one of the Japanese laboratories. In 24 hours, the Madake bamboo stem increased by 120 centimeters. And in Vietnam there is bamboo, which can grow 2 meters in the same time. By the way, the Japanese claim that if you look at bamboo thickets for a long time, you can easily see how the stems grow.
In addition, according to experts, bamboo easily grows through a thick layer of asphalt or concrete. People noticed these properties of bamboo a long time ago and immediately found use for them.
Bamboo execution
In Asian countries, particularly China, bamboo was used to execute and torture criminals. To do this, the ground was sown in advance with bamboo seeds or a site was selected where bamboo was just emerging from the ground. A person was placed above the garden bed in a horizontal position, most often face up. The main thing was to firmly fix the body in order to limit the victim’s movements as much as possible.
The rapidly growing bamboo stems first pierced the skin of the convict, and then gradually penetrated into the body, damaging vital organs. As they grew, the shoots pierced the body deeper and deeper until they came out from the back side. Despite the rapid growth of the plant, the convict suffered for more than 12 hours until death relieved him of his suffering.
Sometimes young bamboo shoots were sharpened with a knife so that they penetrate the body faster. However, sometimes they were left in their original form. In this case, death turned out to be more painful.
Truth or myth?
In fact, reliable information about whether the bamboo execution actually existed has not yet been discovered. However, some historians are absolutely sure that such a practice took place. And not only in ancient China. According to eyewitnesses, the Japanese used bamboo to torture prisoners during the World War.
In addition, the hosts of one popular American television show conducted an experiment, recreating all the conditions of a bamboo execution. They used a jelly-like mass as a sacrifice, which they placed over a bamboo shoot. The experiment ended successfully: the bamboo stem easily pierced the body of the jelly mannequin and penetrated deep inside.
Is bamboo a tree, shrub or grass? What is the growth rate of bamboo? Bamboo is the tallest and most mysterious evergreen grass in the world. The plant, which is not a tree, can withstand gusts of wind.
It means a lot for Asian countries. According to their legends, it was bamboo that gave rise to life for all people on earth. We will tell you further about how to grow and care for bamboo, as well as at what speed it grows.
Bamboos belong to the cereal family and form a separate subfamily. This includes almost 50 genera and 1000 species. They all differ in shape and size, but they have one common feature - their light and durable trunk. Exactly for.
Photo of growing in a pot at home
In many species, the stem - thatch - becomes woody, but there are also annual ones. Among them there are also herbs with petiolate leaves or flowers with stamens.
Where does bamboo grow? Basically, plants live in the tropics, where bamboo is home. But you can often find them in subtropical or even temperate zones. Some species grow high in the mountains. Some of them can be planted in pots, some in open ground.
Let's look at some of them:
The most unpretentious plant is the Kuril sasa. It can be used as a regular grass lawn.
Low grasses - naked grass and many-branched - in combination with others form beautiful clearings in gardens and personal plots.
Dwarf bamboo has a very elegant appearance, its height is only about 40 cm, and is used as an ornamental grass.
Phyllostachys and Fargesia grow up to 4-6 m. Phyllostachys grows only in warm climates. It grows quite quickly, so fencing barriers are installed in gardens.
Fargesia Muriel, on the contrary, feels quite comfortable in harsh conditions. Freezing in winter to the level of snow cover, the next year it gives new shoulder straps, stronger ones.
Polysyllabic mabuza can withstand frosts down to 10 degrees. The plant forms a low, dense bush with thin stems and bluish leaves. Used to decorate front gardens, courtyards, balconies.
This is only the smallest part of the huge family of this plant.
Flowering and reproduction
Seeing flowering bamboo is a rarity in nature. The plant is monocarpic. This means that they bloom once in their life and then simply die.
Mature bamboo stems
Before bamboo blooms, woody species can grow for several decades. The growth period can even last up to 100 years. The flowers of the plants are mostly small, hidden in the axils of the leaves, almost invisible at first glance. But there are also species with large paniculate inflorescences.
Bamboo propagation occurs by:
- cuttings;
- dividing bushes;
- seeds.
For growth and development you need a certain temperature regime and high humidity. Bamboo blooms and produces seeds on average every 30-100 years.
An interesting feature: bamboos of the same species bloom almost simultaneously, no matter where they grow. Their stems then die, the rhizomes die, and the fallen seeds take on new roots.
Bamboo growth rate
How long does bamboo grow? The growth rate is incredible. But it depends primarily on how well developed the rhizome is. While the rhizome is growing, the grass itself does not grow quickly. Some varieties can grow by 50 cm in a day. The famous Japanese bamboo “madake” in laboratory conditions can grow by 120 cm per day.
Bamboo forests are a unique sight. Bamboo of the genus Dendrocalamus reaches the highest heights. The growth of their stems can continue up to 40 m in height with a diameter of 35 cm. Nothing else in the world grows as fast as bamboo. If you look at bamboo for a long time, you can see how it grows.
The first shoots grow very small. But every season they grow more and more. It takes an average of five years for bamboo to reach the height of this grass.
Bamboo care
In winter, plants should be kept in a bright, slightly cool room. In summer it grows well in an open sunny place. Water in summer period it is necessary abundantly, in winter - moderately.
Plants are replanted in the spring. Potted once a year since root system developing very fast growing. The tubs are replanted every 2-4 years. It is best to use a mixture of turf, leaf, peat soil and sand for planting.
Every year, approximately 20% of the bamboo is cut down to rejuvenate the plantation.
Usage
A fresh stem is full of water. The annual stem is almost useless for practical purposes. As the stem matures, the water in the stem is replaced by fiber. The best bamboo is considered to be harvested between three and seven years of age. Such plants are used for:
From mature plants you can build houses, bridges, and create small objects: baskets, hats.
Does bamboo grow in the middle zone?
Bamboo can grow in middle lane, for example, in Russia. But, in order to grow this crop in such conditions, we recommend choosing winter-hardy varieties. Although there are a lot of species of the described plant, very few tolerate cold.
It is important that the crop survives the first winter well in such conditions. To do this, it is necessary to insulate the bamboo root. This is done by mulching or using agrofibre.
We would like to note that the layer of mulch should be quite thick, 10-15 cm. For greater reliability, you can lay spunbond on top. At the same time, if the temperature drops beyond -18-20 degrees for a long time and in winters with little snow, the plant’s chances of survival are reduced.
In cold winter conditions, you can try to grow golden leaf. In the northern regions it is cultivated as a deciduous shrub. Although, this variety grows better in southern regions with a mild climate.
A variety of Kuril bamboo that is more resistant to various disasters. Shoots of this species can reach a height of 50 cm to 2.5 m. It has wide oval foliage. In the warm season, the color of the crown is rich green. The stem is about 5-6 mm in diameter.
The described plant is already successfully grown in regions where winters are harsh and temperatures drop below -20 degrees. But, in such conditions, the growth of culture slows down significantly. Therefore, according to the characteristics of the variety, you should not expect significant annual growth.
If the climate of the region where you plan to plant bamboo is a little milder, you can plant a fan variety. It can withstand frosts down to -14-15 degrees. The height reaches 1.5-2 m.
Black bamboo has the same frost resistance as the previous variety. A relatively new variety of the described plant Vivax can survive a short drop in temperature to 23-25 degrees.
If, in addition to the cold, there is also a problem of humidity and the proximity of groundwater in the area where planting is planned, you can choose Phyllostachys heteroclade, which is also called water. Can withstand -15-20 degrees.
If you want to plant a variety with tall and thick stems, it is best to choose Phyllostachys purpurata. It has decent winter hardiness (up to -20 degrees). Due to the hardness of the stem, it can withstand various disasters relatively easily.
While watching the video you will learn about bamboo.
Of course, people take advantage of the rapid growth properties of bamboo to meet their needs. And this is not always done for the benefit of the person himself. For example, the high growth properties of grass have long been used to execute a person
One day the sea and the sky argued about which of them was the most powerful. The sea splashed the sky with its foam. The sky filled the sea with earth and stones. This is how the first islands appeared, and on one of them the first tall plant, with many leaves, but without branches - the first on earth. Then a man and a man appeared from him, which became the beginning of all humanity.
Bamboo means so much to Asian countries that it even explains the creation of the first people.
So says one Filipino. It shows the role of bamboo at all times. This is very amazing plant. Tall and at the same time not a tree. It doesn't look very durable, but it can withstand strong gusts of wind. They dedicated poems to him, painted pictures, and composed songs.
Have time to grow up
The growth rate of bamboo is known even to Europeans. Some varieties of this plant are capable of reaching a height of 50 centimeters in a day. If you think this is a lot, then take a closer look at Japanese madake bamboo. Under strictly controlled laboratory conditions, its stem was able to grow almost 120 centimeters in 24 hours!
Improper use
This high-speed property of the plant has been used both for the benefit and harm of humans. People generally try to adapt everything best to kill as many of their own kind as possible. And bamboo found something peculiar.
Properties of bamboo rapid growth used to execute people or sophisticatedly torture them until death.
In China, they used the following method of execution, based on the ability of plants to germinate quickly. They took a person condemned to death and tied him over a bed of young bamboo. Previously, the tops of the plants were given a pointed appearance, so that a kind of stakes were obtained.
What happened next resembled extremely sophisticated torture. Over the course of a day, the plant grew in height by tens of centimeters, piercing the skin of the executed person in several places. The sprouts dug into his body, grew inside the abdominal cavity and caused him severe pain.
According to eyewitnesses recorded by chroniclers, a person could die like this for hours, or one of the executioners “helped” him go to the next world faster by beheading or poison.
Poetry of bamboo
But bamboo reveals not only the bloody pages of history:
I wander around the garden all day - it's a pleasure.
Bamboo whispers to me about the emptiness of existence...
Wrote the great Chinese poet Tao Yuan-Ming (365-427)
And, indeed, the bamboo forest is a magnificent sight. And if you consider that such thickets grow very quickly, beauty literally rises like a wall in front of you.