What species of bamboo plant exist across the globe?

If you regularly keep up with the latest health and wellness industry trends, you might have already come across the versatile uses of bamboo for your health and your environment. All this hype about bamboo plants and their many uses might have got you wondering what kind of species there are and how you can benefit from them. This article will help you discover the different bamboo species, their classification, distribution, and practical applications. Let's get right into it.

What is the Bamboo Plant Family All About?

As a member of the Poaceae grass family, bamboo is regarded as one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. There are 1700+ species of bamboo, and the plants are classified into around 116 genera, such as Bambusa, Dendrocalamus, and Phyllostachys. You can find these plants in different climates, from Southeast Asia's tropical regions to the temperate climates of North America.

What Different Types of Bamboo Exist?

The most common types of bamboo species that you need to know about are the Giant Bamboo, the Golden Bamboo, the Black Bamboo, and the Clumping Bamboo. The Giant Bamboo, also known as Moso bamboo or Phyllostachys edulis, is one of the largest and most commercially viable bamboo plants used worldwide. It originated in China and has been cultivated for centuries for its edible shoots and great use in construction and papermaking. This species can grow up to 30 metres tall and has thick stems with a 10cm radius.

On the other hand, the Golden Bamboo (Phyllostachys aurea) is seen mostly in gardens and landscaping thanks to its vibrant golden-yellow stems, which add an aesthetic touch to your environment. This species is also native to China and is instantly recognisable because of its yellow stems, green leaves, and occasional green stripes. The Golden Bamboo grows to around 10 metres and is often used to produce furniture and handicrafts.

The Black Bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra) is a striking bamboo plant with dark-coloured stems that almost become blackish as they mature and reproduce. They are also commonly used in landscaping because of their mysterious and attractive appearance. Occasionally, they are also used to manufacture furniture, construction materials, paper, and other craft items.

And finally, we have the Clumping Bamboo (Bambusa vulgaris), a bamboo species known for the way it grows in tight clusters. This is quite unusual for the bamboo family, as other species are known for their rapid and aggressive growth underneath and above the ground. The Clumping Bamboo is native to Southeast Asia and can grow up to 20 metres tall in the right conditions.

Where can Bamboo be Found Across the Globe?

While bamboo is well distributed globally, you'd be most likely to find it in Southeast Asia, particularly China, India, and Indonesia. There is also a fair concentration of different species in Africa, the Pacific Islands, and South and Central America. Depending on the climate, soil type, and general terrain of the area, it is possible to grow bamboo everywhere except in freezing temperatures. That being said, China remains the only country with the highest concentration of bamboo plants.

What Makes Each Bamboo Species Unique?

As we've detailed already, several factors make different bamboo species unique in their own ways. For example, Black Bamboo has quite dark stems, whereas Golden Bamboo is the complete opposite with its radiant colours. Similarly, Moso Bamboo is popular for its edible shoots, whereas Guadua Bamboo is better known for its strength. Other species are used more famously for their ornamental and decorative values.

How are Bamboo Species Used Practically Across the Globe

There are countless practical applications of bamboo worldwide, from construction and textiles to food and flooring. Since bamboo is a unique and sustainable material compared to timber and steel, and it is also strong, durable, and flexible, it has long since been a popular choice for manufacturing furniture and buildings. The fashion and textiles industries have also widely benefited from bamboo fabric, which is soft on the skin and gives it much more room to breathe. And lastly, bamboo seeds and shoots are also a significant part of cuisines worldwide, particularly in Asia.

Overall, it's remarkable how diverse the bamboo species is. Each species has unique traits and cultural significance that makes the entire family a vital plant which can help address many of our concerns regarding sustainability and environmentally friendly products.