Bamboo is the fastest growing plant on this planet, it belongs to the family Poaceae (grasses). It can grow three feet in height in 24 hours under appropriate climate conditions. From tropics to mountains, bamboo can survive anywhere. Some of them can grow up to 30 metres in height and others a few inches above the ground. Some of them grow 90cm in a day and you will be shocked to know that you can actually watch bamboo grow.

Bamboo is used in medicine, in the building industry, for the production of various woody objects or as an ingredient of numerous delicious meals. Besides, it is a great wood replacement. It is flexible and lightweight and stronger than steel and most hardwoods. You can see bamboo turned into skateboards, bicycles and bike helmets because of its lightweight and durability.

Various animals on the planet used bamboo in their diet. Panda’s diet is based on bamboo exclusively, while mountain gorilla and lemurs of Madagascar eat bamboo to enrich their regular diet.

Bamboo releases 30 per cent more oxygen into the atmosphere and absorbs more carbon dioxide compared to other plants. Because of these features, bamboo decreases the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and cleans the air.

You will never see an infection on bamboo. It has a natural bio agent called ‘bamboo kun’ that prevents bacteria and other pathogens from growing on it. Therefore, it requires no pesticides or fertilisers as it can grow on its own. The leaves droppings are enough to provide it with the necessary nutrients.

Published in Dawn, Young World July 29th, 2017